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What is lipoedema and why should it not be confused with ordinary obesity?

Lipedema is a condition that most people have never heard of – yet it affects approximately one in every six to eight women. Women with the condition exercise regularly and follow a diet, yet they are unable to lose weight from the problem areas. Their legs ache, it is difficult to find clothes that fit, and their quality of life is significantly reduced. In this article, we explain what lipoedema is, how it manifests itself and what treatment options are available today.

What is lipoedema?

Lipedema is a pathological accumulation of fat in specific areas, typically the lower limbs, and sometimes the upper limbs as well. The soles of the feet and palms of the hands are not affected. It is a condition with metabolic, genetic and hormonal causes that affects women exclusively. Unlike ordinary obesity, neither diet nor exercise is effective, as the fat cells are enlarged and have multiplied, and an inflammatory reaction develops in the tissue.

Lipedema vs. lymphoedema

Lipedema is a pathological accumulation of fat (symmetrical), whilst lymphoedema is fluid retention (asymmetrical). In the advanced stage IV, lipedema may occur in combination with lymphoedema.

Typical symptoms

Typical symptoms include spontaneous pain in the affected areas, body image issues, an inability to lose weight despite trying, fatigue, skin irritation and difficulties with clothing sizes, along with the associated frustration.

Stages of the condition

We distinguish between four progressive stages: Stage 1 (smooth skin with small nodules in the subcutaneous tissue), Stage 2 (an uneven surface resembling orange peel), Stage 3 (marked thickening with large skin folds) and Stage 4 (a combination of lipoedema and lymphoedema).

Treatment options

Lipedema cannot yet be completely cured, but modern treatments can significantly improve quality of life. Conservative treatment (usually lasting 6 months to a year) involves an anti-inflammatory diet with a restriction on simple sugars, manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments and moderate aerobic exercise.

An invasive solution is gentle VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction, which removes pathological fat with minimal blood loss and is gentle on the surrounding tissues. The appropriate method and procedure will always be determined by a doctor following a consultation and examination.

Are you troubled by painful and disproportionately swollen legs that neither diet nor exercise can help? Book a consultation with us – we will assess your condition and suggest a solution.