Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic medical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs, thighs, hips, and sometimes the arms. It almost exclusively affects women and is often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema, but it is a distinct disorder with its own pattern of fat distribution.

A key feature of lipedema is the symmetrical buildup of fatty tissue in the lower body, while the hands and feet are typically spared. The affected areas may feel tender, painful, or heavy, and patients often bruise easily. Unlike typical weight gain, the fat in lipedema does not respond well to diet or exercise alone.

Treatment focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life. Conservative approaches include compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and weight management strategies. In more advanced cases, tumescent liposuction may be used to remove diseased fat and reduce symptoms.