It is estimated that as many as 11 percent of women have lipedema. The condition causes fat to be deposited unevenly around your body. It seems to be more common in women, although it can affect men as well. It is often under-diagnosed and difficult to detect because it can be mistaken for obesity. You get the appearance of a “pear shape,” with fat deposits on the thighs and buttocks or legs. The arms may also swell or become ‘lumpy’. You may have trouble fitting into clothes or finding shoes that are comfortable. Lipedema is different from lymphedema. The latter is an accumulation of lymph fluid in tissues. People with lipedema can develop lymphedema in the legs anytime after puberty or later in life.
Maybe you also have lipedema
The condition primarily affects women and is believed to be genetic. It causes fat to accumulate in the legs and arms. Fat deposits are often painful or uncomfortable to the touch or pressure. The condition can be mistaken for obesity. However, a person with lipedema may have a lean upper body and what doctors call “tree trunk” legs. Two types of lipedema are known and sometimes both occur in one person. Putting lipedema is when you can gently press on your limbs and see a dent in your skin. You can recognize lipedema without pits by feeling whether the fat on your legs is difficult to press. You can also measure the circumference of your upper leg at the top with a tape measure. The rule is that it is more than 10 percent larger than your calf below the knee. But to be sure and safe, consult professionals.
Treatment may include surgery, as well as diet and exercise
Medical researchers are still trying to determine the exact cause of lipedema. Many patients have found that their symptoms can be relieved by making simple lifestyle changes. Most doctors will suggest a combination of diet and exercise. It counteracts the weight gain associated with lipedema. However, some patients find that they are unable to lose enough weight through these methods. In that case, they may consider a more aggressive treatment option, such as liposuction or abdominal liposuction. The procedure is used to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body, including the legs and buttocks. Fat or fluid extraction should not be attempted for people with severe lipedema. It may even increase the risk of developing lymphedema.
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