Lipedema definition - What is lipedema?

Introduction

Many women are familiar with the feeling of heavy, aching legs - and are often hastily labeled as "overweight". However, there may be a serious chronic disease behind these complaints: lipoedema. Around 3.8 million women in Germany are affected. Despite this, the condition often goes unrecognized or is mistaken for obesity. In this article, you will find out what lipoedema really is, how it develops and what treatment options are available.

Compared to other diseases, lipoedema is still relatively unknown and is therefore often not diagnosed as such - much to the suffering of those affected.

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What exactly is lipedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that almost exclusively affects women and is characterized by a symmetrical accumulation of fat on the arms, legs and hips. This abnormal increase in subcutaneous fatty tissue often occurs after hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. Lipoedema is characterized by the fact that the affected fat deposits cannot be reduced by exercise or dieting. The vessels are often permeable and fragile, which leads to fluid retention in the connective and supporting tissue and increases the susceptibility to bruising.

In addition to the visual change, patients complain of symptoms such as sensitivity to pressure and touch, feelings of tension and pain, which occur particularly after physical exertion. Typical lipoedema symptoms also include swelling, a pronounced feeling of heaviness and restricted movement. The disease mainly affects the legs, while the hands and feet usually remain unaffected.

Due to the genetic predisposition and hormonal influences, lipoedema is a serious chronic disease that requires targeted diagnosis and individual treatment.

The affected areas of the body are

• Pressure and touch sensitive
• Tend to swell
• Pain is common, especially after physical exertion
• Bruises (hematomas) often occur with minor bumps

Lipoedema has nothing to do with a poor diet or lack of exercise, but is genetically determined and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause.

Causes: Why does lipedema develop?

The causes of lipoedema have not yet been fully researched, but there are clear indications of various factors:

• Genetic predisposition: Lipoedema often runs in families and can be inherited from parents, especially from the mother's side.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, are often associated with the onset of lipoedema.
• Stress: Psychological stress such as emotional trauma or stressful phases of life can promote lipoedema.

Lipoedema symptoms and typical signs of lipoedema

The symptoms usually develop slowly and can worsen as the disease progresses. Typical signs are

1. symmetrical fat gain

• Especially on the arms, legs and hips
• Disproportionate physique: the upper body remains slim, while the lower extremities increase in size

2. feeling of heaviness and tension

• Feeling of heaviness and tension in the affected areas
• The skin feels cold and numb

3. pain and hematomas

• Pressure sensitivity: light touches or bumps can cause pain or bruising
• Frequent swelling, which is exacerbated by sitting or standing

4. movement restrictions

• Limited mobility of the legs
• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods

5. sensitivity to cold

• The legs in particular are sensitive to cold and often feel cold, even in warm weather.

How is lipedema diagnosed?

The diagnosis of lipoedema is based on a clinical examination by experienced doctors. The following procedure is often used:

Diagnostic steps:

1. Medical history: onset of symptoms during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause
2. Physical examination: Pay attention to pressure sensitivity and symmetry of fat distribution
3. Sonography (ultrasound): Confirmation of thick subcutaneous fatty tissue
4. Munich Lipedema Score: A system for the precise classification of the disease and for deciding on further treatment.

Stages of lipedema

Medically, lipedema is divided into three stages:

Stage	Features
Stage I	Smooth skin surface, no lump formation, slight accumulation of fat
Stage II	Irregular skin surface, lump formation, harder fatty tissue
Stage III	Coarse-knotted, hardened tissue, significant increase in circumference, clearly noticeable restrictions

Stage 1 of lipedema

Stage 1 is characterized by a smooth skin surface with a uniformly thickened, homogeneously impressive subcutis.

Stage 2 of lipedema

Stage 2 shows an uneven, predominantly wavy skin surface and nodular structures in the thickened subcutaneous area.

Stage 3 of lipedema

Stage 3 shows a pronounced increase in circumference with overhanging tissue (dewlap formation) on the arms and legs.

The symptoms worsen with each stage. It is important to act early to slow down the progression and maintain quality of life.

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Treatment options for lipedema

1. conservative therapy

Although lipoedema cannot be cured, there are various conservative treatment methods that can alleviate the symptoms:

• Compression stockings: These help to regulate the pressure and reduce swelling.
• Lymphatic drainage: Manual massage techniques that remove lymphatic fluid from the affected areas.
• Change of diet: An anti-inflammatory diet (e.g. low-carb) that reduces inflammation and fat accumulation.
• Targeted exercise: swimming, cycling and gentle strength training can promote lymph flow and tighten the tissue.

2. liposuction (liposuction)

Liposuction is the only permanent treatment option that removes fat cells in the lipoedema area. Studies show:

• Pain reduction
• Increased mobility and quality of life
• Long-term improvement in body shape.

This is a surgical procedure that should only be performed by experienced specialists.

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Stage 1 of lipedema

Stage 1 is characterized by a smooth skin surface with a uniformly thickened, homogeneously impressive subcutis.

Stage 2 of lipedema

Stage 2 shows an uneven, predominantly wavy skin surface and nodular structures in the thickened subcutaneous area.

Stage 3 of lipedema

Stage 3 shows a pronounced increase in circumference with overhanging tissue (dewlap formation) on the arms and legs.

Lipedema and psychological effects

Lipoedema not only has physical effects, but also influences the psyche of those affected. Many women feel unloved or unhealthy because of their body shape and withdraw socially. Depression and anxiety are frequent companions of lipoedema. Psychological support can help to reduce the emotional burden.

 

Conclusion: Lipoedema is not a "fashion diagnosis"

Lipoedema is a chronic disease that deserves more attention and understanding. It should not be confused with obesity or other fat-related diseases. Early diagnosis and correct treatment can significantly improve quality of life.

Important note: If you notice any signs of lipoedema, do not hesitate to consult a specialist. There are effective treatment approaches that can alleviate your symptoms and improve your well-being.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about lipoedema