Lipedema Is Often Mistaken For Obesity: 7 Symptoms You Need To Be Aware Of

Jun 28, 2018

It’s a dream of many women to have legs like a supermodel. But for some people, this dream is unattainable due to an unfortunate condition that is unrelated to unhealthy diet or laziness. Lipedema is a disease that impacts around 10 to 11 percent of women in the United States. The disease occurs when body fat is distributed in an unusual way underneath the skin. People who suffer from lipedema often have disproportionate fat accumulation, with most of their fat distributed into the lower areas of the body.

What Causes Lipedema?

Although doctors are still unaware of the exact cause of lipedema, they hypothesize that the hormones of a female, such as the estrogen and progesterone, are responsible for the creation of this disease. They cite this assumption by the fact that lipedema mainly develops in females and can actually become more aggressive during pregnancy, during puberty, or when a woman goes through menopause.

Doctors have also found that a huge risk factor for lipedema is a family history of the disease. Your chance of developing the condition can double if someone in your family has suffered from it. Although it’s mistakenly believed by many people, it’s important to note that lipedema is not developed from obesity. Research has proven that women who suffer from his condition are able to lose weight in their upper body, but the stubborn areas impacted by lipedema will remain larger.

The Symptoms Of Lipedema

Many people mistake lipedema with lymphedema. However, lymphedema can actually be caused by lipedema. Symptoms of lipedema are very noticeable and include the following:

• Large legs shaped like a column
• Cuffs of fat accumulated around the ankles
• A noticeable disproportion between the upper and lower halves of the body
• Swelling in the legs
• Tender and easily bruised legs
• Excess tissue accumulation around knees or inner thighs
• Fat deposits that won’t budge even with diet or exercise

The Three Stages Of Lipedema​

​​​​​​Stage One: recognized when extra tissue accumulates around the thighs, ankles, and knees. Your lower body will begin to enlarge, noticeably more than your upper body.

Stage Two: is characterized by an even more obvious disproportion of the body and is often when people receive a diagnosis. New symptoms start appearing, such as cellulite, swollen legs that become painful, and fatty cuffs around the ankle with unaffected feet.

Stage Three: occurs when fat begins to collect on your upper arms, your abdomen, and the back of your legs. This stage is when the legs become increasingly painful and noticeably swollen. The knees are often completely enveloped in fat.

How To Treat Lipedema

Although exercise is important for everyone, those with lipedema need to make sure they stay active. A regular exercise routine will not cure lipedema, but they can slow down the progression and also stop additional fat from developing on the leg areas.

Exercising also helps blood and lymph circulation, reducing your risk of complications like infections and fibrosis from developing.

The overall condition can also be improved by healthier diet changes. Consult with a medical health professional to seek the best treatment option available for you. Although the disorder is often commonly confused with obesity, lipedema is a separate condition entirely. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms in order to keep your health on track.

Were you aware of the symptoms of lipedema before this article? Let us know and pass this important information on to your friends and loved ones. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!