Health experts have urged women not to believe misleading adverts which claim a quick-fix for eliminating cellulite. The warning comes in the wake of dozens of new remedies arriving on the market, including soaps, electrical massage, creams, tablets and injections.
Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Humaid Ghanem, consultant dermatologist at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, said that even the best treatments on offer had an improvement rate of only five to ten per cent at best.
"I believe these treatments are largely ineffective. They do not help the patients physically, but might help them only psychologically," he added.
"No quick-fix remedies have proved 100 per cent effective for treating cellulite. That is why they are not offered at any of the government hospitals or clinics, and are not considered for use in the future either."
Instead, he said a proper diet, suitable exercise and weight loss is the only way to get rid of cellulite.
According to recent studies, cellulite - the dappled and uneven appearance of fat deposits under the skin - affects about 90 per cent of women. It usually appears on the hips, buttocks and legs.
So far, doctors believe there is no effective way of evening out the fat and creating a smoother look.
It is described as a common condition that is linked with an increase in weight and hormonal changes. However, slim women can occasionally experience the dappled appearance of fat deposits, too. Another possibile cause of cellulite is the metabolic changes brought on by having children.
Dr Ghanem added that liposuction should not be considered as a treatment method for cellulite.
"Liposuction is a drastic measure which is not advisable for cellulite as it may cause a distorted apearance to the legs and body," he said."It is generally used only for sucking excess fat from the abdomen."
Gulf News
