Even though they are frequently associated conditions, they are actually distinct problems. Let’s try to clarify.
The term localised fat refers to areas of adipose tissue particularly rich in adipocytes. In other words, we could speak of body areas in which the adipose tissue is excessively developed to the point of causing a disharmony of the body silhouette.
The distribution of localised adipose tissue in the body is genetically programmed and varies mainly according to sex and race. For Mediterranean women with a gynoid body type, fat is mainly located on the thighs, hips and knees, whereas for North European woman with an android body type or men, adipose tissue is generally located on the abdomen and hips. Localised fats are structured and emerge during adolescence when the secondary sexual characteristics of each individual are revealed.
Localised adipose tissue is not necessarily the site of cellulite, even if cellulite frequently occurs where excess adipose tissues deposit on the lower limbs. Localised fats are treated with lipolysis-based therapies which have the purpose of decreasing the volume of adipocytes (lipolysis mesotherapy for example) or with typical lipo interventions aimed at reducing the number of adipocytes themselves (liposuction for example).
Being overweight is a generalised condition of weight gain of the patient above a hypothetical ideal weight that is frequently calculated today on the basis of BMI (body mass index) which codifies the ranges for being underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese between males and females. It is obtained by dividing the weight of the subject expressed in kg by the square of their height expressed in metres. Overweight condition is managed with correct dietary education, which is even more effective if supported by physical activity.
Another issue is cellulite that identifies an imperfection of the body surface linked to a dystrophic process of adipose tissue which almost certainly originates from a microvascular disorder. This is an extremely common condition that essentially affects the female sex due to the peculiar anatomical characteristics of the adipose tissue. The therapies are many and they require an adequate description. They are all the more gratifying when cellulite is in its initial stages, but they can be completely useless in its most evolved forms.