LIPEDEMA
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that can typically develop on the legs, hips and buttocks. In some cases, the arms may also be affected. Lipedema affects both sides of the body equally and is seen almost exclusively in women.
Lipedema is often misinterpreted as lymphedema or obesity. Indications of Lipedema include a build-up of painful fatty tissue, which is not present in overweight people. Therefore, lipedema is also called lipohyperplasia dolorosa: increased, painful fatty tissue.
Causes of lipedema
The causes of lipedema are still not yet fully known. However, as the condition occurs almost exclusively in women, and symptoms usually present or worsen at the time of puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, there is likely a connection to hormones. In addition, genetic predisposition can play a role in the tendency to develop lipedema.
What are the symptoms of lipedema?
The typical symptoms of lipedema are a large lower half and column-like legs, which are often tender and can bruise easily. It is typical to experience a larger difference in size between the upper and lower halves of the body. Unlike Lymphedema, Lipedema affects both sides of the body equally.
Lipedema occurs almost exclusively in women. The onset of lipoedema symptoms is often associated with weight gain that is connected to hormonal changes – such as puberty, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, and menopause.
Signs of lipedema include:
- Fat build-up in buttocks, thighs, calves, and in some cases the arms.
- Exercise, elevating your legs, and support stockings do not help to reduce the fat/edema in the affected areas.
- Littler to no swelling in feet or hands.
- Pain, discomfort, or heaviness in the affected areas
- Bruising easily in affected areas
- Skin than appears dimpled like
- Difficulty walking/reduced mobility
For more information on lipedema visit:
Lipedema (bauerfeind.ca)
Lipedema Canada: Open Minds Change Lives
Lipedema Ontario – Advocating for Lipedema Treatment in Canada (lipedemacanada.org)
