Lipedema is caused by a buildup of fatty tissue leading to pain and discomfort.

The disease usually appears symmetrical in shape and size across both legs and sometimes arms. It almost exclusively occurs in women and is often associated with weight gain that is mostly connected to hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, and menopause.

Lipedema is more than just a physical condition; it can affect your entire quality of life. The pain is not only physical, but often also leaves psychological traces. The feeling of being trapped in your own body, the lack of understanding from outsiders, the constant exhaustion – all of this can be overwhelming. But you are not alone. Millions of women share this fate.

Symptoms of Lipedema

Identifying Lipoedema early is crucial to effective management and control. This condition is distinct from regular obesity.

Symptoms of lipedema include disproportionate fat accumulation in the legs and sometimes arms, easy bruising, swelling, pain or tenderness in the affected areas, and a "heavy" sensation in the limbs. The hands and feet are typically spared, and the condition often results in an "cuffing" or "bracelet" effect at the wrists and ankles.

The symptoms of lipedema are diverse and can vary from person to person. The most common signs include:

• Your legs appear symmetrically swollen – swelling can occur from the hips down to the ankles and your legs appear column-like; the feet are not usually affected
• Yffected areas feel 'spongy' and cool, and the skin is generally soft and may appear dimply
• You bruise easily in the affected areas
• You may have small varicose or spider veins in the affected areas
• Your legs and other affected areas are sensitive to touch and pressure
• Your legs and other affected areas hurt and feel uncomfortable – swelling may become worse in the afternoon, evening, after activity or in hot or humid weather.

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Causes of lipedema

The exact cause of lipedema is not clear.

It's not caused by being overweight – you can be a healthy weight and still get it.

• during puberty
• when you're pregnant
• when you're going through the menopause
• when you're taking the contraceptive pill

Sometimes lipedema runs in families.