Anyone else have cellulite?: Does anyone else... - Thyroid UK

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Anyone else have cellulite?

jostafford0 profile image
62 Replies

Does anyone else cellulite all over their body? I even have it on my arms & calves never mind the normal places! I eat healthy & moderately exercise but it doesn’t shift. I wondered if this was a thyroid thing thing or is it just me?

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jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0
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62 Replies
fibrolinda profile image
fibrolinda

More likely Myxoedema, and Oh yes a thyroid thing. Can you pinch and pull the skin away slightly from the areas or is it stuck to the flesh?

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0

Yes I guess so as I have no tone anymore

fibrolinda profile image
fibrolinda in reply tojostafford0

Not lack of tone... You know when you pinch the skin on the back f your hand, like checking for dehydration, the skin only is pinched. With myxoedema you cannot pinch the skin at all as the mucin 'glues' it to the flesh underNeath, wether toned, flabby or whatever. Oh gosh wish I could explain properly... Sorry but brain fog is flippin thick, must be bedtime.

NWA6 profile image
NWA6

Yes me too 😩 It’s very depressing. I am a stone overweight atm after a long period of under medication. I don’t mind my extra size but the cellulite does me no favours 😔

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toNWA6

Same here, I don’t mind putting on weight as long as it’s not cellulite. It really gets me down, I’m so embarrassed about my body & cover my arms & legs.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply tojostafford0

How do you know it's cellulite?

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply togreygoose

I can see it when I look in the mirror and also when I squeeze areas like my calf - it looks like orange peel.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply tojostafford0

ok :)

KristinaCPH profile image
KristinaCPH in reply tojostafford0

If you have to squeeze it, it cant be that bad!?

NWA6 profile image
NWA6 in reply tojostafford0

No more covering up for me!! I am embrassed of it! Ofcourse it still bothers me and I can feel embarrassed but I’m just trying to think about myself in another 10yrs time. I’ll look back at photos and think I looked great! I think I have body dysmorphia anyway. I say I *think* only because I’ve always thought of myself as a ‘bigger’ girl and had bulimia from about 12-20yrs but I don’t think I was very good at it because I never got ill looking. The reality is that I weigh a lot but I’m told I don’t look it. Im 5ft 7/8 My optimal size is 10-12 bottoms and 8-10 top and if I go below 10st 7lbs I look gaunt, now I’m a 12-14 bottoms and 12 top and 12stone but must admit I like having boobs! Lol being quite flat chested when I’m at my optimal weight is not as flattering. So there are ups and downs with body imagine, good points and bad. I look back at 10yr old me and wonder how that skinny child ever thought she was fat. I had 4 kids within 5yrs and I’m 45 with 10 grey hairs( my kids counted! Lol) and now after being 13stone whilst ill I have cellulite 😩 It’s god awful but I’ve got to get over it. Every woman I see with their cellulite out I mentally high five! 😂

Check in with me in 6mths when I loose another stone and I’ll let you know if I’ve been able to combat it!

Donnaca profile image
Donnaca

I reduced mine by using Ashley blacks fascia blaster, there’s a Facebook group and they teach you how to use it. It’s smoothed out my arms, I wear sleeveless now and never have before, my arms were so bad.

I still have it on my stomach though.

My legs have also smoothed out.

They say that the fascia is bound and causing cellulite, pain etc.

I did go through a detox effect and sometimes I get painful periods if I blast too often.

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toDonnaca

Thank you so much, I have to try this!!!

pabhoo profile image
pabhoo in reply toDonnaca

what is it??? Ashley blacks fascia???😊

fibrolinda profile image
fibrolinda in reply toDonnaca

Oooo I got excited then and looked it up... To expensive for me to try, especially as not sure I would be able to use it because of stupid fibro. Oh but to have arms I don't have to hide, and knees, and ankles and.... Might save up.

Thank you for the info 🙂

Donnaca profile image
Donnaca in reply tofibrolinda

If you’re on Facebook then join the group, people with fibro do well on it and it seems to help symptoms but everyone is individual and has different reasons for health issues.

conniemeg profile image
conniemeg in reply tofibrolinda

I found that reducing my phosphorous, especially rice, potatoes, dairy and fish, reduced my fibro.

conniemeg profile image
conniemeg in reply toDonnaca

Thank you for sharing! I just ordered mine. I was always in shape and never had cellulite until the past two years. Now pain and cellulite everywhere. Can’t wait to try the Ashley black product! The testimonials were wonderful!

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toconniemeg

Same here, I used to have tone & defined muscles & now it’s all cellulite :o( I’m going to order one too.

Rhqz profile image
Rhqz in reply toDonnaca

facebook.com/groups/1411919...

Rhqz profile image
Rhqz in reply toDonnaca

I read that its bad for you

facebook.com/groups/1411919...

Donnaca profile image
Donnaca in reply toRhqz

It’s helped me and 2 friends, there are haters on FB, I’ve seen the comments but I love it :)

Donnaca profile image
Donnaca in reply toDonnaca

Also I did bruise to start but I don’t go hard anymore, fast and light is better.

I love cupping and Gua Sha too - they leave black bruises.

V111 profile image
V111 in reply toRhqz

I bought and used fascia blaster. Did nothing but bruise . For me it was a waste of money .

Yppah profile image
Yppah in reply toDonnaca

For me this definitely works. Face blaster only, for whole body, which is a small investment. Arms are much better. And have “moved” fat from muffin top, which was the thing upsetting me most. It’s kind of amazing. At first the marketing of it all put me off a bit, as with Izabella Wentz and her books... but these ladies have helped me more than anyone else out there. They have suffered, dedicated their lives to others, and have to pay their mortgages like us by sharing in a way that yields an income. 😏

ffranny profile image
ffranny

well another advantage of taking this collagen supplement is that not only has my hair gone back to normal, the new growth, the cellulite is going too.

I had an awful (embarrassed) bum and legs, and the first thing was the bum went smooth again, well first time in 20 years..

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toffranny

Thank you so much - I will order collagen supplements today, it’s worth a try. Any recommendations?

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27 in reply toffranny

Which one ?

leftbehind profile image
leftbehind

I have it too since being hypo. Good to hear suggestions. I've always been toned, so I'm not liking it. I'll try a collagen supplement. Thanks.

Panya profile image
Panya

I was very overweight and had terrible cellulite on my thighs in the past.... (before I was diagnosed hypothyroid) but I decided to change my lifestyle - and now I don't have any cellulite. The improvements came before I was diagnosed hypothyroid and started Levothyroxine so I don't think it is connected to that. I totally changed my diet, becoming whole food plant-based, and eating abundant amounts of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes. No refined foods whatever (especially flour or sugar products, and oils) or alcohol. I started walking a lot (got a dog!) and ended up losing 88lb which I have now kept off easily for 2 years. My cellulite just vanished (along with all my niggling health issues). I should add, I have heard expert doctors say that modern tight underwear is a contributing cause (often the cellulite starts exactly where the tight elastic ends) so they encourage wearing either loose shorts, a thong.... or none!

Marymary7 profile image
Marymary7 in reply toPanya

Well done you. Other advice says no grains in diet it effects thyroid people....

Panya profile image
Panya in reply toMarymary7

I have to eat something, lol! Despite what keto people like to believe there is a mass of evidence that low carb high fat diets shorten lifespan; and although they are initially effective for weight-loss the longer term results are not so convincing. Most people I know who swear by keto diets have failed to reach their desired goal weight (I tried it myself and my weight plateau'd immovably when I was still 40lb overweight); but as soon as I changed to low-fat wholefood plant-based - after an initial tricky transition - the remaining weight fell off me and I reached a weight I haven't been since I was a teenager half a century ago. I know so many other people who have had similar success with this way of eating. It works.

The foods I live on now are have a very low calorie density so without grains and starchy veg I'd be fading away. I eat lots oatmeal at breakfast, lots of brown rice with lunch and lots of potatoes or sweet potatoes, or squash/corn/peas etc at dinner. I feel 20 years younger than I did a few years ago - never felt better, so it works for me whatever the theories are. My T4 and TSH levels are doing great too.

Marymary7 profile image
Marymary7 in reply toPanya

I never know which way to go. I don't eat meat and I'm feeling very weak today so I think I'll have to pop some iron pills in case it's that. I know I need to get bloods done on all of this. I eat quite similar to you but I just cannot lose weight...so blinking annoying, I will be going on a 4.5 mile walk again this afternoon with a dog I'm looking after. I've put on a stone and I wasn't even happy before that gain!

Panya profile image
Panya in reply toMarymary7

Feeling weak must be so disheartening for you. Yes, checking bloods would definitely be a sensible move. With the food, I am not counting calories as such but calorie-density is the key. Research has shown that if your food consistently averages less than 567 calories per lb, it is pretty much impossible to put on weight; you can eat as much as you want of the food groups which do that (Non-starchy vegetables, starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and lentils) your weight will normalise. But you just need to add a tablespoon of olive oil or occasional 'low fat' muffin or wedge of cheese here, or an oz of nuts or glass of wine there and for many people, the balance tips into weight gain (and triggers cravings which lead to a cycle of failure... again). These foods tend to average 1200 - 4000 calories per pound.

If you do what I did - and you don't have a conversion issue with T4 to T3 - you WOULD be able to shift that weight. I am 62 and have been overweight pretty much for half a century and I managed to do it, and that was before I knew my thyroid gland had tanked. If you're interested, try googling Chef AJ (she has lots of YouTube Videos) or the McDougall Program for Ultimate Weight Loss (Dr John McDougall) x

Marymary7 profile image
Marymary7 in reply toPanya

Thanks I will look into that later. I'm 65 I think age makes it harder. I don't think I am converting 4 to 3 very well at all.

We are in danger of high jacking this post....sorry to original poster.

Panya profile image
Panya in reply toMarymary7

Yes, I was aware we are drifting off topic - I add my apologies! I hope you find your way back to full health. Don't let age deter you - a large proportion of the (mostly) women who have lost huge amounts of weight - and kept it off - on another weight loss program that hugely helped me along the way (Bright Line Eating) are in their 60s, 70's or even 80+s! It is not quite so quick and easy to shift the weight when we're older but it most definitely can be done. I'll finish there!

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toMarymary7

You need to check out your B vits especially B12 as I was really deficient in this and was so weak.

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toPanya

Hi Panya, this is really good to know. Did you cut out healthy oils too such as olive & coconut oil? I consume these nearly every day.

Panya profile image
Panya in reply tojostafford0

I don't use any olive oil or coconut oil, no. I know it is totally fashionable at the moment to think they are healthy but (leaving biased studies funded by vested interests aside) the hard scientific facts show that they are simply slightly less unhealthy than the other refined fats. They still cause atherosclerosis and contribute to insulin resistance (leading to diabetes) and increased tendency to heart attacks, strokes and dementia. You might like to read e.g. this article on olive oil research (and the research on coconut oil is even more damning). pritikin.com/your-health/he...

They also have no roughage, virtually no nutritional value and are hugely calorific. They do not cause satiety in the same way as whole foods and so contribute hugely to the obesity problem. I get all the essential fatty acids and oils I need from whole plant foods, along with a small quantity of ground flax/chia seeds.

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toPanya

Thank you - I'm going to cut down on my oils as I think may be contributing to my cellulite. I eat a lot of nuts and seeds too so I'll get my oils that way. Jo x

Singoutloud profile image
Singoutloud

I've seen no mention of Mucin so far. It has been discussed a number of times on this forum. Just type it into the search bar and all the posts that mention it will come up.

This one from 6 years ago is quite informative

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27 in reply toSingoutloud

Very interesting thanks for that

fibrolinda profile image
fibrolinda in reply toSingoutloud

I did I did 😁 second and third reply, good link 🙂

Marymary7 profile image
Marymary7 in reply tofibrolinda

You did talk about mucin 🤣 😂It sounds vile stuff....I think it's in my eye bags 🤣.

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toSingoutloud

Hi Singoutloud, thanks for your post and the interesting article. Is there a test for mucin (sorry if I missed this) or is it a case of pinching the skin? My feet and ankles swell up in heat but I put this down to water retention. If it is mucin, are there supplements or changes in diet you can do (sorry if I missed this again). Thanks Jo

cgauthie profile image
cgauthie

I noticed when I was hyperthyroid that my body fat surged to double my

Normal percentage. I bought a weigh scale that calculates body fat.significantly increase your water intake to 2-3 litres a day and I took liposomal vitamin c 2000 a day.

Jivedancer profile image
Jivedancer

We all get cellulite it's an age thing ! Try using a firming body lotion it does help reduce the appearance also they recommend dry body brushing helps with the circulation I think we have accept it !

Panya profile image
Panya in reply toJivedancer

Jivedancer - Debatable! Cellulite was virtually unknown in Western countries before the 1950's; and is still not seen in some countries where people generally still eat unrefined, real foods. Modern UK/US diet and sedentary habits definitely have a big part to play but we are free to make other lifestyle choices...

dbrowning02 profile image
dbrowning02

I do dry brushing and Epsom salt baths. I feel it can also be related to stored toxins from the crap sprayed on our food and in the air....just my own theory.

gingerthecat profile image
gingerthecat

Me too, but I never connected it to my thyroid...interesting.

Nomorepharmacon profile image
Nomorepharmacon

Hi

Yep it's a damn thyroid thing but the origin is immune related, I believe. I am a man and get this issue too. Basically when the body is inflamed, from the immune attack this happens. For me, cruciferous veg.; cabbage or broccoli, seem to help.

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toNomorepharmacon

I know my inflammation is high due to having ulcerative colitis & the tests they do for it. I don’t know why I’m inflamed as I’ve eaten healthily & exercised all my life. I’ve now given up dairy & gluten but don’t feel any different.

Laurien profile image
Laurien

My cellulite has almost disappeared over six months to a year when I stopped added sugar and carbs. No great exercise apart from walking. No lotions or potions!!

Panya profile image
Panya in reply toLaurien

My cellulite also disappeared after a time of not eating anything with sugar or flour (i.e. any refined foods). But in my case I didn't avoid carbs - only refined carbs. I actually started eating a lot MORE unrefined carbs such as brown rice, potatoes and sweet potatoes. I believe it is the chemistry of digesting over-refined, unnatural forms of carbs that unhinges our hormonal systems - not ALL carbs.

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27

I'll post photo of my post as didn't upload at work

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27

So seems I can't add photo

Ok I got cellulite badly many years ago .. even when I was tiny I had it. It's much worse now I'm Hashimoto...😥 Have to constantly watch how I lay my arms when out ..can't wear short sleeves or shorts ..it's sooo embarrassing...it's taken over so much of my life as I've lost so much confidence knowing even if I dress ok it's underneath...hate it so much !!! But I'm glad I'm not alone ..as thought I was abnormal having it in my arms ..down to my wrists ....😒

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0 in reply toMitch27

Hi Mitch, I was really thin too & still had cellulite- now they’ve put me on the depot injection to control my Endometriosis and I’ve gained weight & cellulite - it’s horrible & I feel disgusting.

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27 in reply tojostafford0

It's soul destroying ..I don't know what to do anymore ..😢

Widawake profile image
Widawake

Hi, Have you ever thought of trying infra red sauna. It must be infra red, not just a steam room. It is helpful for so many health problems. I bought a 1 person unit for use at home. At the time I couldn't lift a cup as my wrists were so painful. It cured that in 1 week. It gently builds up a great sweat without the unpleasant feeling of a steam room. I dont have any cellulite at all nowadays. I dont know if the sauna got rid of it but it has gone. It has helped me control back pain and made a huge difference to a skin problem I have. They also claim it burns calories!

I would suggest you Google it and check out the benefits. You can pick a unit up second hand from a out £200 New ones start at about £600 Dont get conned I to paying more, if you decide to get your own. I have mine in the garage its about 1m square and plugs into a normal socket. They dont use tonnes of electricity either.

I must stress dont get conned as a friend of mine ended up paying £2500 for hers.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again

I have some keratosis pilaris on my legs ... I use coconut oil to treat it.

elsevier.es/en-revista-endo...

Tillpickle profile image
Tillpickle

I don’t have a cellulite issue but have read about other’s struggles.

Apparently it can be just as much an estrogen imbalance problem as it can be a low thyroid problem.

People have had good results eating prometabolic foods including sufficient sugars. Look up Dr Ray Peat. He is very big on importance if supporting thyroid with food.

Yes it's hypothyroid thing not so obvious when younger. .. as time progresses it progresses.

Yes rubbing in organic coconut oil all over body everyday helps rid body of cellulite as it begins to break the fat down. Combined with sensible eating plan and exercise should work. Just have to be resilient.

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