Let’s talk cellulite!

A Culture of Fear

For something that has been naturally occurring on bodies since the dawn of time, we’ve only started becoming cellulite-phobic since the 1920s with the boom of European spa culture. In fact, it still isn’t even recognized as a –real– condition: “cellulite”, this narratively evil and unsightly blemish, doesn’t actually exist. Spoiler alert! It’s just fat. Now stay with me– we have been conditioned to demonize and otherize fat in its many forms and absolutely torment/humiliate/subjugate people with visible fat. A lot of this has deeply racialized, colonial roots and we are well overdue for some completely different approaches.

Anyway, back to cellulite. So, it’s just fat. Bodies that experience regular hormonal shifts are going to be more susceptible to developing it, especially in the butt/thighs/legs region. However–and this is important– cellulite can occur on ANY body. At ANY size. Statistically, up to 90% of post-puberty women have cellulite. Our current societal narrative is that this harmless and extremely common body occurrence is something that needs to be hated and “fixed” at all costs. [Cue the hordes of “ancient alternative treatments” and “futuristic breakthroughs” spouting promises and pledging success.] We are simply drowning in “before and after” photos.

I’ve always found it good practice to be weary when the industry who is trying to convince you that you have a problem is the same one manufacturing the cure.

Telling Ourselves a Different Story

Loves, there is nothing wrong with you. There is nothing wrong with cellulite. There is nothing wrong with fat. Massage can stimulate blood flow, repair tissues, address stagnation, and ease an agitated mind– but in all likelihood (and anecdotal/scientific evidence) the cellulite will still be there no matter what techniques or tools we use. It is:

1. A global, genetic, extremely commonplace occurrence that causes no physical harm.
2. A socially-constructed issue to sell more fear and more products.  

It feels challenging to accept this. That’s okay. I’m here to remind you that you don’t have to like your cellulite– it’s okay to work towards neutrality toward it.

Optional Incantation: THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF CELLULITE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF HEALTH, BEAUTY, OR WORTH.