What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic, connective adipose tissue disorder that is characterised by a symmetrical, disproportionate distribution and build-up of abnormal fat. This mainly affects the hips, buttocks, legs and sometimes the arms. The fat is different to ‘normal’ fat, and affected skin can therefore be uneven and nodular in texture. Heaviness, discomfort and pain in affected areas are common symptoms. Lipoedema can impair mobility and normal day-to-day activities and well-being.
Common symptoms and characteristics of Lipoedema
Lipoedema almost exclusively affects women. Women of all ages, sizes and ethnicities may be affected. Individuals may present with all or some of the signs and symptoms outlined below.
Symptoms include pain, heaviness and discomfort in the affected areas, which can often bruise easily. Fatigue, joint problems, swelling, reduced mobility, flat feet and gait problems may be experienced. The body disfigurement in Lipoedema can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, shame and embarrassment that can sometimes lead to anxiety, depression and hopelessness. People with Lipoedema may try numerous diets to try to change the size or shape of their limbs, and although normal weight loss can occur, it does not affect Lipoedema fat, which may lead to eating disorders, malnutrition and low energy.
Key characteristics of Lipoedema
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The onset of symptoms is usually during puberty, during/after pregnancy or menopause.
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Lipoedema presents symmetrically, involving both legs.
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The uneven, abnormal build-up of fatty tissue mainly involves the hips, buttocks and lower and upper limbs. The lower body is typically larger.
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Lipoedema causes significant disproportion of hip-to-waist ratio.
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In the early stages of Lipoedema, the upper body may remain slender as the lower body enlarges and fat accumulates over the hips, thighs and legs.
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In the later stages of Lipoedema, mobility is restricted and the condition becomes more chronic with associated joint problems. Skin changes can be seen. A secondary lymphoedema may also develop. The later stages may lead to further mobility problems or disability.
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People with Lipoedema may experience psychological distress, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
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Fatigue and pain/heaviness may be experienced in the affected areas.
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Affected areas might be hypersensitive to touch or pressure, and easily bruised.
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Weight-loss diets have little or no effect on Lipoedemic fat.
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Fat pads form above, inside and below the knees and the outer region of the upper thighs and sometimes the buttocks.
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Flat feet and gait can be affected and contribute further to mobility issues.
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Feet and hands are generally unaffected, though a ‘cuffing’ or ‘bracelet’ effect may be seen to the ankles or wrists.
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Skin may feel cool and have a dimpled or mattress appearance or nodular texture.
What causes Lipoedema and when does Lipoedema start?
Although Lipoedema was first recognised in the 1940s, little research has been done into the disease. Its cause is unclear, but researchers agree that Lipoedema is almost certainly a genetic inherited condition because there is often, but not always, more than one family member affected. Mother, daughter, sister and grandmother may all be affected in one family. Research on the genetic links to Lipoedema are ongoing. There is a hormonal link to Lipoedema, particularly oestrogen, and symptoms usually start around:
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Puberty
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Pregnancy
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Menopause
Lipoedema is not caused by being overweight. Obesity is a different condition. You can be a healthy weight and still have Lipoedema.
Can men have Lipoedema?
Lipoedema almost exclusively affects people assigned female at birth, with only a few cases reported in men. Researchers have estimated that Lipoedema may affect approximately 10% of people worldwide. Lipoedema can also be spelled either Lipodema or Lipedema.
Can Lipoedema be cured?
There is currently no cure for Lipoedema – there are conservative (non-surgical) and surgical treatments, however, that can help to manage the symptoms.
Who gets Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is more likely in people:
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who are assigned female at birth
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who have a family history of Lipoedema