Special Diets

There’s nothing more normal than cellulite (the majority of women have it, and many men do too). Even though it’s so common, many try to reduce its appearance by using exercise, massage, and topical treatments. How effective these treatments are varies from person to person, but one study suggests another treatment option that may be effective. The study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, found a branded collagen peptide supplement (Verisol^®) improved the appearance of cellulite. The study included 105 women ages 24 to 50 with moderate cellulite. For six months, the women were randomly assigned to receive either 2.5 g/day of the collagen supplement or a placebo. Researchers evaluated the participants’ degree of cellulite before starting the treatment, and after three and six months. Here is what they found:

• In women who had a normal body mass index (BMI), the collagen supplement led to a 9% decrease in their cellulite, compared with the placebo. These women also had around an 11% decrease in thigh skin-waviness.
• In women who had a higher BMI, the collagen supplement led to a less pronounced decrease in cellulite (4%). These women also had an 8% decrease in thigh skin-waviness.

A few things are important to keep in mind when considering these findings. First, this study was done using a branded ingredient—more research needs to be done using non-branded ingredients to confirm these results for other products. Second, cellulite is caused by many factors, including genetics, age, and pregnancy—in other words, it’s natural and not necessarily something to worry about. And of course, if you are looking for ways to get rid of your cellulite, talk with your healthcare practitioner first.

Source: Journal of Medicinal Food