What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition that predominantly affects women, characterised by the disproportionate accumulation of fatty tissues in parts of the body, typically affecting the legs and sometimes the arms. Unlike regular fat, lipidemic fat is not significantly affected by weight loss through diet or exercise.
This condition, often confused with obesity or lymphoedema, involves more than mere aesthetic concerns; it can lead to pain, mobility issues, and emotional distress. In this blog, we will delve into what lipoedema is, explore its symptoms, and discuss current treatment options, enriched with pertinent statistics from both the UK and the USA.
What is the main cause of Lipoedema?
The precise causes of lipoedema remain a topic of ongoing research, but experts suggest a combination of hormonal and genetic factors play a crucial role. Hormonal influences are particularly significant, as lipoedema often first appears or worsens during major hormonal milestones such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. This timing suggests that oestrogen may have a substantial impact on the condition’s onset and progression.
Additionally, genetic predisposition is evident, with many sufferers reporting a family history of similar symptoms, indicating a hereditary component. Research into the lymphatic system’s dysfunction also contributes to our understanding, proposing that lipoedema might involve a distinct type of fat that is resistant to typical weight loss methods, possibly due to its poor vascularisation and excessive fluid retention. Understanding these factors is essential for advancing treatment strategies and improving the quality of life for those affected by lipoedema.
Prevalence and Impact
In the UK, it’s estimated that up to 11% of the female population is living with lipoedema, according to a report by the Lipoedema UK charity. In the USA, the disease may affect as many as 17 million women, suggesting its vast underdiagnosis and the urgent need for increased awareness and better diagnostic processes.
Symptoms of Lipoedema
Identifying lipoedema can be challenging, as the symptoms often mimic those of other conditions. Key symptoms include:
1. Symmetrical swelling: Swelling typically occurs in both legs, often extending from the hips to the ankles, sparing the feet, creating a ‘bracelet’ effect above the ankles. There are 4 stages observed in the legs.
2. Pain and tenderness: Affected areas may be tender to the touch, with many women reporting significant pain when pressure is applied.
3. Easy bruising: The skin over the affected areas tends to bruise more easily than normal.
4. Temperature sensitivity: The fatty areas may feel colder to the touch compared to the rest of the body.
5. Mobility issues: As lipedema progresses, mobility can be significantly impacted due to the excess weight and pain.
Causes of Lipoedema
The exact cause of lipedema remains unknown, but it’s believed to have a genetic component. Hormonal imbalances also play a significant role, which is why lipedema can first appear during significant hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Diagnosis of Lipedema
Diagnosing lipedema involves a physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. Specialists in the UK and the USA might also use imaging tests, such as lymphoscintigraphy or MRI, to rule out other conditions like lymphoedema.
Treatment and Management
While there is no cure for lipedema, there are ways to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options include:
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A specialised form of massage that helps reduce fluid retention and pain.
2. Compression Therapy: Wearing compression garments to reduce swelling and improve lymph flow.
3. Diet and Exercise: Although lipidemic fat is not lost through conventional dieting, balanced nutrition and gentle exercise can help manage inflammation and mobility.
4. Surgery: In severe cases, liposuction may be considered to remove lipidemic fat,
which is different from conventional liposuction used in cosmetic fat removal.
Coping and Support
Living with lipoedema can be challenging, not only physically but also emotionally. Support groups, both in the UK and the USA, offer vital resources for coping strategies, emotional support, and advocacy for better treatment options. Awareness is growing, and with it, the hope for more research and improved treatments.
Lipoedema is a significant health issue that demands greater awareness and understanding. By recognizing the symptoms early and engaging with knowledgeable healthcare providers, women can manage the symptoms effectively and improve their quality of life. Let us continue to advocate for those affected by lipedema and push forward towards better understanding and treatments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How can I tell if I have lipoedema?
Lipedema is characterised by swelling in the legs, arms, and other parts of the body due to fat deposition. The affected areas may be tender, bruise easily, and often feel painful and cold. Unlike typical fat, lipoedema fat does not improve with weight loss from diet or exercise. If you notice these symptoms, consider consulting a healthcare provider for a proper assessment.
2. Can lipoedema fat go away?
Lipoedema fat does not typically go away on its own and is resistant to conventional diet and exercise. However, treatment options provide temporary improvements like manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and in some cases, liposuction, can help manage and reduce lipoedema fat.
Liposuction using a regular cannula through fat tissue in such cases can be difficult to move so power assisted liposuction features devices which produce rapid small vibrations to break up fat that allows it to be easier to control for precise and thorough fat removal.
3. Do I have lipoedema or just fat legs?
Differentiating between common obesity and lipoedema involves looking for specific characteristics. Lipoedema is usually symmetrical, involves both legs, and spares the feet, creating a “bracelet” effect around the ankles. Legs may feel disproportionately heavy, painful, or tender. It is advisable to seek a medical diagnosis to determine the underlying cause.
4. How to remove lipedema fat?
The most effective treatment for removing lipedema fat is liposuction, specifically water-assisted or tumescent liposuction. Other supportive treatments include compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage to help manage symptoms, although they do not remove fat.
5. What age does lipedema start?
Lipedema can start at any age but often begins or worsens at puberty, during pregnancy, or around menopause—times of significant hormonal changes.
6. Is lipoedema a fat disorder?
Yes, lipoedema is a chronic disorder characterised by an abnormal accumulation of fat in specific areas of the body, typically the legs and arms, which can lead to pain and mobility issues.
7. What does stage 1 lipoedema look like?
In stage 1 lipoedema, the skin is smooth, and the subcutaneous fat beneath is evenly distributed, with a soft texture. The affected limbs appear larger but maintain a normal contour, and there may be minimal discomfort.
8. How do you test for lipoedema at home?
While there are no definitive home tests for lipoedema, you can start by examining your legs and arms for signs of symmetrical swelling, tenderness, and easy bruising. However, for a conclusive diagnosis, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
9. How can you avoid lipoedema?
There is currently no known method to prevent lipoedema, as its causes are not fully understood and may involve genetic and hormonal factors. However, managing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of complications.
10. What hormone causes lipoedema?
The exact hormonal cause of lipoedema is not known, but it is often associated with hormonal imbalances or changes, particularly those involving oestrogen. This connection is evident as lipedema commonly develops or worsens during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
11. How to cure lipedema naturally?
While there is no natural cure for lipedema, several strategies can help manage symptoms. These include maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise to improve lymphatic drainage, and wearing compression garments. Consulting a specialist in lymphatic disorders can provide further guidance.
12. What not to eat with lipedema?
People with lipedema are often advised to avoid inflammatory foods such as processed foods, sugars, and excessive carbohydrates. A diet low in salt and rich in anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish, and berries may help manage symptoms. Always consult a nutritionist or doctor for personalised advice.