What Is Lipedema

Lipedema is a long-term health condition affecting mainly women that causes abnormal fat buildup in the lower part of your body, most often involving the butt, thighs and calves which gets worse over time. People with lipedema may see the condition develop in their hips or upper arms, however lipedema doesn’t affect hands or feet. Unlike most fat accumulation patterns, lipedema develops symmetrically, meaning that it affects both sides of the body equally, differentiating it from conditions like lymphedema, which often affects only one limb.

Oftentimes lipedema is confused with being overweight or having lymphedema, but lipedema is a completely different condition. While lipedema is not primarily a lymphatic disorder, it can eventually impact lymphatic function as the condition progresses leading to the development of lymphedema. Lipedema doesn’t respond to diet and exercise like ordinary body fat typically does. Having lipedema can cause pain and swelling resulting in tender skin that easily bruises. Lipedema can also result in lipedema fibrosis, which is the development of hardened scar tissue that occurs with the buildup of fat tissues, and is characterized by hard lipedema nodules underneath the skin which can be felt by gently pressing on the affected limb.

Lipedema can make normal daily activities difficult to perform and impact your overall quality of life. Although there isn’t a cure for lipedema, treatments can help you feel better. Early recognition and diagnosis of the symptoms of lipedema, along with an appropriate treatment protocol can help you manage the systems and slow progression of the condition.

Ready more about understanding and living with lipedema