This condition is mostly seen in women, especially if they are overweight.

Fats, fluids and toxins get trapped in the connective tissue in our bodies and form pockets that in mild cases resemble orange peel and in more severe cases have the appearance of high bumps and deep valleys. Some studies have been done that show. Cellulite in simple terms is no more than fat deposits under the skin. Many sources including books and treatments that market cellulite "cures" advocate this misconception and go as far as claiming that cellulite is some sort of toxic filled sludge. But some women with relatively thin thighs can still have cellulite.

Braun Falco and Sherwitz in the late 1970's that sho that what causes the "cottage cheese" effect of cellulite is retention of fluids in adipose (fatty tissues). This research uncovered clear signs of fluid invading the connective fibers of the upper layers of the skin. Cellulite is commonly referred to as "cottage cheese" thighs, butt or stomach.

The fact that skinny women can have cellulite, leads some to believe that cellulite is not fat at all.