What causes cellulite? Genes, diet, hormones, age?

Genes. There is some evidence that if your mother had cellulite, there is a greater chance that you will have it too. However, lifestyle choices may well dictate the extent to which you have it.
Diet. A poor diet with high levels of fatty, sugary and spicy food, caffeine and alcohol increases the likelihood that you will develop cellulite.
Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle with little or no exercise increases the risk of cellulite as well as worsening existing cellulite. This is yet another reason to take regular exercise – it improves muscle tone, circulation, and the elimination of toxins as well as keeping body fat under control and maintaining as desirable weight. Good muscle tone and limited bodyfat will bring about a more streamlined appearance than a body carrying extra weight.
Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body are part of the mechanism which determines how much of what you eat is stored as fat. Pregnancy or oral contraceptives can influence the build up of fat as well as the way it is arranged under the skin, causing the bumpiness associated with cellulite.
Age and sex. Women’s fat is arranged in a different way from that of a man, and is more prone to cellulite. As we get older, muscle tone decreases, skin loses its elasticity and cellulite can worsen.
Medication. Some medications can disrupt the body’s way of eliminating toxins and cause a build up in the tissues. Also some medicines can encourage water retention, which helps bring about cellulite.
Dehydration. Drinking insufficient fluids can cause water retention.
Smoking. Not only bad for the complexion and cardiovascular system, smoking damages the skin.