Lipedema

Lipedema may affect up to 11% of women. It happens when fat is distributed in an irregular way beneath your skin, usually in the buttocks and legs.
~Dr. Raghav Thukral

Lipedema may affect up to 11% of women. It happens when fat is distributed in an irregular way beneath your skin, usually in the buttocks and legs. Although it begins as a cosmetic concern, it can eventually cause pain and other problems. Lipedema can be mistaken for regular obesity or lymphedema.

Symptoms of Lipedema

The typical symptoms are a large lower half and column-like legs, which are often tender and bruise easily. For example, the top half of your body may be a size 8, but the bottom half may be a size 16.

As the condition progresses, fat continues to build up, and your lower body grows heavier. The lipedemic fat can later collect in the arms.

Over time, fat cells block the vessels of your lymphatic system, which normally helps balance body fluid levels and protect against infection. This blockage prevents the proper drainage of lymph fluid, leading to a buildup of fluid called lymphedema.

If not treated, lymphedema can lead to problems such as infections, delayed wound healing, development of scar-like tissue called fibrosis, and hardened skin in the legs.

Unlike obesity, it targets legs, thighs and sometimes arms. Unlike lymphedema, lipedema doesn’t start in the lower legs (feet and ankles) but the upper legs, and it isn’t related to prior surgery. It usually affects both legs.

Causes of Lipedema

The cause is not known, but doctors suspect female hormones play a role. That’s because the condition affects mostly women, and it often begins or worsens at puberty, during pregnancy, following gynecologic surgery, and around the time of menopause.

Scientists also believe genes are involved, because many women with the condition have family members with the condition.

Scientists also believe genes are involved, because many women with the condition have family members with the condition.