Last week I was tasked with a question no man is destined to survive…

“Do you think I have cellulite?” 

At that moment, I felt the intensity of a baseline pump through my chest, as my heart started to beat faster, my temperature rose and my brain cells desperately searched for an answer to an impossible question. “From my understanding all women have cellulite…don’t they?”

Somehow by answering the question without actually answering the question, I was able to avoid a potentially disastrous situation…but it did get me thinking. What is the issue with cellulite? Why is cellulite considered undesirable? Why does cellulite get such a bad rap?

So I did what we all do when we are searching for answers, I looked to the wisdom of Google in the hopes that it would provide the answers I was looking for…

Once you type the word “cellulite” a multitude of search results reveal themselves, and the majority of those results suggest ways to remove, target or get rid of cellulite, but why get rid of a form of fat that was developed for human survival?

Even with current medical advancements no one really  knows if there is one single factor that causes cellulite to form, but I was able to glean that cellulite is formed through a variety or combination of factors which include lifestyle, hormonal changes, diet, genetics or even underwear choices. 90% of women have cellulite no matter how slender, toned or fit they are which, in part, is related to the female hormone estrogen; which is essential for sexual and reproductive development.

The word “cellulite” was created in the 1920’s by French doctors, but the term really hit mainstream pop culture in the 1960’s thanks to fashion bible Vogue magazine, and has been a staple in the diet of female insecurity ever since! While a well rounded diet (bad pun intended) and consistent exercise routine will help in the reduction of cellulite, there is nothing inherently dangerous as cellulite is composed of normal fat cells…and get this!…cellulite is not an indication of obesity, inactivity or ill health.

Back in 2001, it was Destiny’s Child (in conjunction with Jennifer Lopez) who helped usher the “Bootylicious” era into the mainstream’s consciousness meaning that fuller hips, thighs and butts were deemed attractive traits on a broader level, paving the way for women like Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Amber Rose, Iggy Azelea and social media personality Jen Selter; however the truth of the matter is, if you posses full volume buttocks in most cases cellulite comes as part of the deal…

If you read my blog post You’re As Beautiful As The Moon, then you know that I don’t care for the media’s constant pressure on women to fit an unattainable standard and you also know that I believe that most men feel the way I do…

But let’s think of it another way…think back to the last time you went on a first date, do you recall anyone mentioning cellulite? Was cellulite one of the reasons you stayed together or parted ways? Did cellulite have any importance or value when you decided to go for a second date or contact the object of your affections again?

Probably not…

Because despite what the media tries to peddle, the actual reality you live probably dictates something different, not to mention there is no cure for cellulite so I would be a little weary of anyone who says that cellulite is a problem and offers potions and lotions worth an estimated $6 billion a year (in the U.S. alone) so the only fat these companies really care about are fat profits earned in a market that has an estimated value of $10.7 billion dollars next year.

Until next time.

P.S. Destiny’s Child, over to you!