Q: I read an article in a women’s magazine that described a special
diet for getting rid of cellulite. Do you think this works? Is it safe?
A: First of all, cellulite is not a medical term. It is a word used
mainly by the beauty industry to describe the lumpy, dimpled fat
deposits that are often found on women’s thighs and buttocks.
The claim made is that cellulite is somehow abnormal fat gone wrong,
and is a result of some kind of toxic waste that the body has failed to
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dispose of.
I hate to disillusion you, but cellulite is just plain fat. Dr. Neil
Solomon conducted a double-blind study to see if cellulite differed in
any way from ordinary fat. Specimens of both types were taken from the
subjects and no difference was found under the microscope.
What is true is that women seem to have more cellulite than men. This
is because men have less fat and more muscle, and because women’s skin
is thinner and allows the fat to show through.
Diets might work by reducing fat intake and causing general weight and
fat loss in the body. Drinking lots of water does not flush out fat,
but might fill you up so you eat less.
Products such as Cellasene and Cellulean do not seem to make any
difference. Independent studies have not shown any significant change
in women’s thigh measurements before and after the treatment period.
Excessive tearing
Q: I have a problem with excessive tearing in my eyes and have been
told that there is a simple operation to tighten the eyelids. Can it
really be that simple?
A:Yes, there is a surgical procedure to tighten the eyelids. Plastic
surgeons rather than eye doctors perform this operation, so you would
have to ask your family doctor for a referral. If it is medically
necessary, as it sounds in your case, then the cost should be covered
by your provincial government insurance.
As you age, the muscles in the eyelids lose their tone and flexibility,
resulting in drooping. If the lower lid droops, it allows the tears to
flow down over your face, rather than being directed into the drainage
duct. Tightening the lid can help.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont.
Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are
encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding
medical questions and treatments.
