LIPEDEMA IS NOT OBESITY
Lipedema is most often confused with obesity, leaving many people feeling frustrated and misunderstood. Gaining a better understanding of lipedema can provide you with clarity, validation, and a path toward effective relief.
Lipedema is a chronic medical condition that primarily affects women, characterized by bilateral, symmetric buildup of adipose tissue (fat) in the legs, and sometimes the arms and lower trunk. A common but under-recognized disorder, Lipedema may cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and easy bruising. It may be accompanied by an unusual nodular and/or fibrotic texture within the fat that can feel like rice, peas, or walnuts beneath the surface of the skin. The intensity of pain may range from none to severe, and its frequency may be constant, intermittent, or only occur when the fat is palpated. Limited public awareness of Lipedema, coupled with few research-backed treatments, can lead to exacerbation of symptoms as well as physical and emotional distress.
Source: Lipedema Foundation
Lipedema primarily affects women, but it does occur rarely in men. Reports estimate that around 11% of adults have Lipedema, but the total number could be higher due to misdiagnosis.
Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of lipedema is still unknown. It can start or worsen; however, during hormonal changes in the body, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Research is underway to determine the biological role of hormones, genetics, inflammation, and metabolism in the condition’s development.
Source: Lipedema Foundation
• Bilateral, symmetrical buildup of fat in the legs, and sometimes arms and lower trunk, that is resistant to nutritional intervention, exercise, elevation, diuretics, and bariatric surgery
• Feet/hands are typically spared, sometimes causing the appearance of an ankle or wrist “cuff”
• Almost exclusively affects women
• Complaints of pain, tenderness, heaviness in affected areas
• Fatigue Starts or worsens at times of hormonal changes: puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
• Easy bruising
• Presence of nodular and/or fibrotic texture beneath the skin that can create an uneven, dimpled appearance
•Edema and joint hypermobility may also be present
• Family history of similar body type
• Difficulty losing fat in affected areas
• Onset/worsening at time of hormonal change
• Pain, tenderness, heaviness in affected areas
• Fatigue , Brain fog
• Easy tendency to bruise
• Decreased functional ability (including mobility)
• Decreased quality of life
• History of joint issues
• The following treatments have limited to no effect: Elevation, Nutritional Interventions, Exercise, Diuretics, Bariatric Surgery
