Hi all, it's "newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism" posting again. I'm comin' back atcha with yet another one of my diet obstacles and am hoping someone out there has some tips to help me over the hurdle! First of all, I've lost 2 pounds since chatting here!!! Wooo hooo!!!! Anyway, back to my issue: even when I weighed just over 100 pounds @ my competition weight, I've always had cellulite. I'm not talking small curd either-the back of my thighs are covered-and now other places too. It doesn't matter how many leg curls or cardio sessions I do in the gym-it never helps. Now, I do understand that it's part of my family legacy and in reality, there are far worse things I could be dealing with....so I am not trying to whine about something silly. However, I'm so mortified by cellulite showing that I won't wear shorts in the summer, won't go to the beach, won't wear clothing if I think you can see a dimple through the fabric, etc. It's even started to affect my ability to be intimate-I am even shying away from dates because I know eventually in the relationship the guy will see it and be just as mortified as I am. Granted, most of us are harder on ourselves than we need to be when viewing our body image. But this is really affecting my life. I avoid social situations all together in the summer because I am so embarrased about my cellulite. The root of this evil is my low self esteem-I am well aware of that. But truthfully, even with my weight gain this past year (25+ pounds) I still think highly of myself overall..... but I always come back to the fact that I'm unattractive if I have that much cellulite. Anyone have suggestions on how to break free of this irrational obsession????

Hmm, well I think everyone has a part of their body that they fixate on, and that is fairly normal. However, I think maybe you are leaning toward borderline Body Dysmorphic Disorder with a couple of your comments about that particular area, particularly that your unhappiness with your cellulite is affecting your sex life, making you avoid social situations, refusing to wear certain clothing or go to the beach, etc. Do you have therapeutic resources that you can access, either through your insurance or from a reduced cost clinic? You might want to see someone to discuss your self esteem and your fixation on that particular body part.

Hi Mandalinn82. Thanks for your insight! I think you're right, that I should probably touch base with someone with a clinical background to evaluate my concerns. For the most part I don't think my issue is too severe, but thinking that every women obsesses about it as much as I do proves it may be. I guess I'm hoping, though, that there is someone out there that used to feel the way I do about cellulite and has some magic technique to correct my thinking. I know, I know....what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Well, I'll keep ya posted on my progress...

I am particularly attuned to the BDD thing...I have a friend with a fairly severe case, who just got a tummy tuck in Taiwan because he was convinced he was huge (he is 5'11" and weighs 160 lbs, used to weigh more, lost the weight and then fixated on the teensy bit of loose skin he had), and he still thinks he is huge (actually, he thinks he is bigger now because he is still swollen from the surgery...). I mean, there are things you can do about the cellulite (I just read about a laser they are developing that will be FDA approved probably within next two years, it essentially melts fat, allowing "lipo" without actual surgery...) but as my friend illustrates, if you have an underlying self confidence issue, even having surgery won't help your self image....he is already planning his next tummy tuck (a "full" one this time - he only had a "mini" one before) because he isn't satisfied.

I completely understand your irrational fears, I have a lot of stretchmarks on my back and knees from growing so tall so fast, and I'm very self-concious about them.

As far as celluite goes, I've heard that having darker skin diminshes the obviousness of the dimples. tanning is unhealthy, but self-tanners/bronzing lotions have come a long way! Having darker skin will make your imperfections less obvious and can help make you feel more comfortable in intimate/bare situations.

If that doesn't help, just remember that EVERY women has something to hide at the beach: too busty, not busty enough, flabby thighs, a tummy, spider veins, pale skin, or cellulite. If you forget about your fears and just have a good time, no one will notice the flaws, and instead notice how happy and upbeat you seem!

Kelema/Mandalinn82: Thanks a bunch to both of you! Mandalinn-that is really sad about your friend. Wow 5'11" and 160? That seems very lean. I can understand his wanting to rid the extra skin, but wow.....I sure hope he finds peace with himself! Gee, now if I could just take that advice eh? Mandalinn, I'm also interested in this laser equivalent to lipo! Unfortunately, I'm sure that won't be anything covered by insurance like, ever....since cellulite is considered a cosmetic thang. Kelema-you're absolutely right, I have lots of friends that focus on a part of their body that they aren't happy with and it's often something I've never even noticed (and I'm really observant). It's just that most days I really would trade a big huge gut for smooth thighs! But, as Mandalinn points out-BDD is sooo deceptive...I'd probably focus on my tummy then! Unbelievable how the mind works. Kelema-as to your stretch marks (which I also have), have you tried Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion? I had good results with that and I know a lot of other women have too. OH! And I totally agree with the darker skin covering up the little dimples-I usually tan (I know it's bad) when I can afford the luxury...but have never tried self tanner....afraid I'll come out looking like Bart Simpson! I recently tried that new Loreal Sublime to see if it would firm the skin and make things less noticeable...no such luck. Well, for now...thanks for the support you two! Melinda

You're very welcome! I'm currently using my grandmother's home remedy and it seems to have lightened them to close to my skin color! Sometimes I'm still shy about it though.
As far as self tanner goes, make sure to exfoliate! Wear gloves so your hands don't get orangey, and go light on the knees. Try a patch on your upper thigh or butt first (Sounds wierd, I know, but I figure those areas are least exposed to public eye!) and just try different kinds until you find one that's good for your skin.