Lipedema is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of fat from the hips to the ankles, sparing the feet. It primarily affects women, and may require surgery to be removed.

Our body permanently stores fat in order to build up energy reserves. Lipedema refers to an abnormally localized storage of these fats. Lipo refers here to “lipocyte”, a medical term for fatty tissue, while edema is abnormal swelling. In lipoedema, fat is most often distributed from the hips to the ankles, without touching the feet.

This syndrome mainly affects women, aged 15 to 30 or after pregnancy or menopause. It is also found more frequently in obese people, but can very well appear in an anorexic woman: in this case there the upper body will be thin while the legs will have an aspect of “columns”. Note, however, that lipoedema is used nowadays to designate any person suffering from “post legs”, but this simple factor is not sufficient to diagnose lipoedema which is a more rare disorder.

Should we speak of disease or syndrome in the case of lipedema? The question is not yet resolved, but the clues emanating from the scientific community point to a syndrome. Indeed, lipedema is not, in itself, something that we “catch” or that is triggered by an external element, but rather seems to be linked to genetics, to the body of each individual and to our eating habits and physical.

However, the issue is not resolved, with many associations campaigning for recognition of the disease status of lipoedema, mainly to facilitate the payment of the significant health costs that its treatment imposes.

Lipoedema is not yet sufficiently studied to know exactly what causes it. At present, suspicions are focused on a mixture of different causes:

Genetic predisposition

With the expression of certain genes that promote the poor distribution of fat.

Trouble hormonal

In women, again which can lead to poor fat distribution.

Lifestyle

Less obvious because in some cases the lipedema appears without overweight. However, he is much more likely to develop with poor eating habits and little physical activity. This will also lead to a vicious cycle, given the loss of mobility caused by the development of lipedema.

Lipedema should not be confused with simple weight gain, and is recognized by the presence of well-marked symptoms:

• Presence of fat in the legs, sometimes in the arms;
• Pains;
• Tendency to “mark” easily, with more frequent bruising;
• Medical examination, using a sonogram to check for the presence of fat.

Lipoedema is therefore not exclusively defined by “pole legs”. Many women can exhibit this characteristic without suffering from it. However, some health specialists, most often linked to cosmetic surgery, seem to take advantage of the media coverage of lipoedema to attract future clients, rather than patients.

Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive treatment for lipedema. Its causes, which mix the patient’s genetics, his hormonal cocktail and his lifestyle, do not make the task of researchers easier. Until a treatment is in place, there are still alternatives to alleviate symptoms, reduce fat mass, and regain a certain comfort of life.

Thus, various options are available to patients suffering from lipedema:

Surgery

The most radical method but the most effective if the lipedema is already very present. Without treatment, the amount of fat under the skin can range from 0,5 to 7 or 8L, or as many pounds more in weight. So many difficulties to move, to practice physical activity, and therefore to naturally eliminate fat from the body. Liposuction surgery, most often performed as cosmetic surgery, will therefore be a temporary solution, before avoiding too much return of symptoms.

Physical activity and diet

Lipedema, if it is already well established, will not be reduced simply by a better diet or sports practice. On the other hand, it will be amplified if no effort is made to reduce weight gain or to practice sports. Patients with lipedema are therefore advised to continue these efforts.

Compression stockings

Wearing compression stockings, or adapted socks, can reduce the appearance of lipoedema and relieve the more psychological damage it causes on self-esteem.