The lipoedema
Lipoedema, also known as lipomatosis dolorosa (painful fat distribution disorder), is a disease that affects around 11% of all women. It is a symmetrical fat distribution disorder with excessive accumulation of fat, especially on the legs and sometimes also on the arms. Typical signs are:
Patients are often misdiagnosed, for example with obesity (diet-related overweight) or lymphedema. As a result, they are subjected to wrong or ineffective therapy. A diet, for example, although a reduction in volume usually does not alleviate the symptoms. It is not uncommon for years to pass before the correct diagnosis is made. The time factor plays a decisive role here, because hormonal changes caused by puberty, pregnancy or menopause can lead to the progression of the disease. Despite exercise, diets, lymphatic drainage or compression stockings, stress and standing for long periods of time also lead to a worsening of the symptoms and significant limitations in everyday life. In some cases, the increasing volume of fatty tissue on the inside of the thighs and knees also leads to a misalignment of the legs with a long-term higher risk of joint damage (gonal and coxarthrosis) and restricted mobility. The gait pattern is significantly restricted as the course progresses and the skin on the inside of the legs is exposed to high levels of friction and thus irritation and infection. It is not uncommon for the disease to run in families, since genetic components also play a role.
Lipoedema
Do you have lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a fat distribution disorder and occurs almost exclusively in women. From today’s medical point of view, there is a chronic disease of the subcutaneous fatty tissue. The first symptoms often develop during puberty or after a hormonal change, such as pregnancy or menopause (menopause).
Differences obesity and lipedema
To an untrained eye, the effects of obesity and lipedema are difficult to distinguish. Basically, the overall picture of the history of development must always be considered for both diseases. The following overview can give you an initial orientation.
To an untrained eye, the effects of obesity and lipedema are difficult to distinguish. Basically, the overall picture of the history of development must always be considered for both diseases.
lipoedema | obesity |
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