Published by Dr MIguel Fernadez Calderón: 18/10/2024
There is some confusion about what is lipedema. Some people associate it with obesity; however, it is a different condition and is related to genetics and hormonal changes. We explain how it affects your health and what treatments are available.
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a disease that causes abnormal accumulation of fat cells in the extremities. It is most commonly found in the legs, but some people also have it in the arms.
This condition is more common in women than in men. It manifests with a disproportionate increase in adipose tissue, often accompanied by pain, tenderness to touch and mobility problems.
Lipedema can be difficult to diagnose, so it is often confused with obesity. Some signs of this condition are disproportion between the extremities and the rest of the body, as well as fat nodules that can be felt to the touch.
Lipedema sufferers are not only affected by aesthetic changes, but it also has a significant impact on their quality of life.
Difference between lipedema and obesity
Due to the difficulty in diagnosing lipedema, this disease is often confused with other conditions such as obesity or orange peel skin. However, there are important differences between all of them.
Cellulite, for example, is characterized by dimpling of the skin. It is not painful and can appear in thin women.
Obesity, on the other hand, is associated with excess body weight. It can be the result of an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and metabolic factors. A change in lifestyle can help overcome this condition.
In contrast, lipedema is not associated with weight variations. A person may have a normal weight, but experience a disproportionate and painful increase in certain areas. This condition does not respond to changes in diet or exercise, as is the case with obesity.
Often the difficulty in identifying lipedema is due to the fact that the person also suffers from obesity.
Causes and risk factors of lipedema
The origin of lipedema is still unclear, but it is associated with genetic and hormonal factors.
Genetic causes
Studies to identify what lipedema is and what causes it have identified genetic variations that may cause fat accumulation in the extremities.
This means that there is a hereditary component to the origin of lipedema. If someone in your family suffers from lipedema, you are more likely to develop this problem.
Hormonal factors
This pathology is also related to hormonal changes in women. That is, it can appear during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms and diagnosis of lipedema
A woman with a slim waist and stable weight may have excessive fat accumulation in the legs. This can be a sign of lipedema, but it is not always easy to recognize. Here are some common symptoms.
Visible signs of lipedema
Patients with lipedema may present some of these symptoms:
- Increased volume in the lower or upper extremities, disproportionate to the rest of the body.
- Sensation of swelling, especially after standing or sitting for long periods.
- Increased sensitivity in the affected areas. Touch may cause pain.
- Appearance of bruising in the affected area, even without obvious trauma.
- Appearance of fatty nodules on the skin that can be felt to the touch.
Medical diagnostic methods
The specialist can diagnose lipedema through a physical examination. With this evaluation, the distribution of adipose tissue in the extremities is observed, as well as the sensitivity in the affected areas.
He or she will also review the patient's medical history and family history. In some cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI scans are performed to rule out other disorders.
Available treatments for lipedema
There are several treatment options for lipedema. Some of them are minimally invasive and others require surgery. The specialist will determine which is the best option, depending on the degree of the condition.
Non-invasive treatments
Among the non-invasive treatments we highlight compression therapy. In this case, the patient should wear compression stockings that will help reduce swelling and improve circulation in the legs.
Manual lymphatic drainage is another alternative that helps improve circulation. It also reduces fluid accumulation in the affected area.
Unlike obesity, lipedema does not respond to exercise and diet. However, an active lifestyle and a healthy diet are recommended. As for exercise, swimming and workouts that help improve mobility are recommended.
There are cases in which lipedema medications are also recommended. These are not specific to eliminate this condition, but to improve the quality of life. For example, to control pain and improve circulation.
Surgical options for lipedema
In advanced cases of lipedema, surgical treatments are used. In this case, liposuction is used to remove the fat cells.
Along with this surgery, other procedures can be applied to help improve body contouring; specifically, the shape and function of the legs.
Liposuction is an alternative to control lipedema. The objective of this treatment is to eliminate fat cells in the affected area.
In addition to improving aesthetics, liposuction reduces symptoms such as pain and tenderness.
Prevention and management of lipedema
Prevention tips
Lipedema cannot be prevented, but monitoring changes in the body helps reduce the risk of this condition. If you notice any unusual changes in the distribution of fat in the extremities, it is a warning sign. Early detection allows for more effective treatments.
Aim to maintain a healthy weight. While it will not eliminate lipedema, it will help prevent symptoms from worsening.
Lipedema control through diet and exercise
Diet and exercise do not cure lipedema, but they help to control the symptoms. It is recommended to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, and avoid processed foods, refined sugars and trans fats.
Do low-impact exercise to help improve overall health.
Lipedema can affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it, as it can cause pain and tenderness, in addition to aesthetic problems. However, early detection can make a big difference.
