Cellulite is a skin problem, not a fat problem. "When connective tissue and collagen and elastin fibers in the skin begin to break down, fat cells can push into the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, and show through the surface," explains dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad, author of "The Cellulite Solution." Thus, losing some fat can smooth some of your dimples, but it won't eradicate cellulite altogether.
Genetics play a big role in cellulite, as well as hormonal patterns and aging. "If it makes you feel better, even thin people with very little body fat can have cellulite," says Wu.
