As research suggests, Individuals who have cellulite have a different composition of connective tissue. This can be triggered by underlying factors such as genetics, sex, age, and a sedentary lifestyle that influence the extent to which cellulite is present or visible to the naked eye. As women age and approach menopause, estrogen begins to decrease. As Estrogen levels lower in the blood, the receptors in your blood vessels causes decreased circulation; thus resulting in a lack of oxygen and nourishment to the area. Skin elasticity then decreases and fat cells accumulate, protruding through connective tissue. This in turn, gives the appearance of cellulite.

Women are genetically predisposed to cellulite in comparison to men due to estrogen’s role in promoting fat storage and testosterone’s ability to break down fat cells. In women, the structure of collagen which is the main protein of connective tissue, has the appearance of a picket fence, whereas in men it looks like a crisscross pattern with a thicker band; therefore, the crisscross structure is much stronger which aids in keeping fat in place.

Another reason why women get cellulite related to two kinds of adrenergic receptors. When stimulated, alpha receptors constrict the blood vessels triggering the release of sugar into the bloodstream enabling fat cells to be stored. When beta receptors are stimulated increase the heart rate and dilate the blood vessels promoting the breakdown of fat. In women, there is a 1:9 ratio of alpha and beta receptors.