Lipoedema is a chronic condition where fat accumulates abnormally under the skin, typically on the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms. It often causes pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and swelling, and it doesn’t improve with diet or exercise. It primarily affects women and can worsen over time without treatment.
Lipoedema (also spelled lipoedema) is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution, primarily in the lower body. Here are five common signs of lipoedema:
1. Symmetrical Fat Distribution
- Fat accumulates symmetrically on the hips, thighs, and buttocks, and sometimes the arms, sparing the feet and hands. This creates a disproportionate appearance between the upper and lower body.
2. Pain and Tenderness
- The affected areas are often painful to touch and may feel tender or sore, even without bruising or injury.
3. Easy Bruising
- The skin over the affected areas tends to bruise easily due to fragile capillaries, even with minimal trauma.
4. Unresponsive to Diet and Exercise
- The fat in lipoedema does not reduce with typical weight-loss methods like diet and exercise, unlike regular obesity.
5. Progressive Condition
- Lipoedema often worsens over time, leading to increased fat deposits, swelling, and mobility issues. Without treatment, it may progress to include lymphatic swelling (lymphoedema).
If you suspect lipoedema, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and management plan, in order to improve mobility and quality of life.
