Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of fat, mainly in the legs and sometimes the arms.
Recognized as a disease in its own right only in 2022, it mainly affects women, with an estimate of around 10% of the female population affected.
Often underdiagnosed and misunderstood, lipoedema is frequently confused with obesity or cellulite. It is therefore essential to properly identify its specific features and understand the available treatments.
In this article, we explain in detail what lipoedema is and what solutions there are to effectively manage it.
Understanding Lipedema
Lipedema is a chronic and progressive disease that mainly affects women.
It manifests as an abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs, thighs, and hips, and in some cases, the arms. This distribution leads to a noticeable disproportion between these limbs and the rest of the body.
One of the characteristic signs of this pathology is the bilateral and symmetrical distribution of fat, creating a visible imbalance between the trunk and the extremities.
Patients with lipoedema often experience a feeling of heaviness and pain in the affected areas, accompanied by increased sensitivity to touch. This pain is mainly due to the formation of subcutaneous fat nodules, which are sometimes visible, as well as the inflammation associated with the disease. The skin of the affected limbs has an irregular texture, similar to that of cellulite.
Unlike traditional weight gain, fat associated with lipoedema is particularly resistant to balanced diets and regular physical activity.
Women with this condition also tend to retain more fluids, develop spontaneous bruises, and experience decreased mobility and general fatigue.
Causes of Lipedema
The exact origins of lipoedema are not yet fully understood.
However, genetic, hereditary, and hormonal factors appear to play a key role in its development. Indeed, this condition has a strong familial component, frequently affecting multiple women within the same lineage.
Hormonal imbalances have also been linked to the progression of lipoedema. Therefore, certain periods of life, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can trigger the onset of the disease or worsen existing symptoms.
Furthermore, metabolic factors as well as inflammatory or unhealthy lifestyle habits can promote the development of lipoedema and accentuate its manifestations.
Difficulty in diagnosis and delay in treatment
Recognized as a disease in its own right only in 2022, lipoedema is still often confused with lymphedema, obesity, cellulite or simple water retention.
This confusion complicates the identification of the pathology and delays the implementation of appropriate treatment, sometimes for several years. However, early diagnosis is essential to limit the progression of lipoedema and avoid worsening of symptoms.
Clinical assessment is based on symptom analysis, the patient’s medical history, and a thorough physical examination. It may also be necessary to rule out other conditions with similar manifestations.
If you think you may have lipoedema, it is important to see a specialist as soon as possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment to alleviate the effects of the condition.
In its advanced stages, lipoedema has a significant impact on quality of life, both physically and emotionally. Early identification is therefore essential.
Greater awareness of this pathology is essential to improve its recognition, avoid trivialization and facilitate faster access to appropriate care.
Types and classification of lipoedema
Lipedema is classified into five types and four stages of severity:
- Type 1 : Affects the hips and buttocks.
- Type 2 : Affects the hips, buttocks and thighs.
- Type 3 : Extends from the hips to the buttocks, thighs, and legs.
- Type 4 : concerns the arms.
- Type 5 : Limited to the legs.
The four severity levels are defined based on fat accumulation, pain, discomfort, and skin changes.
- Stage 1 : Early stage with moderate fat accumulation and skin that is still smooth.
- Level 2 : appearance of subcutaneous fatty nodules and irregular skin texture.
- Level 3 : Increase in the volume of fatty tissue, causing visible deformations and increased discomfort.
- Grade 4 : Most advanced stage, with severe swelling and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels, which can lead to secondary lymphedema.
This classification makes it possible to assess the progression of the disease and adapt treatments accordingly.
How to treat lipoedema?
Lipedema treatment is personalized for each patient, taking into account the affected area and the stage of the disease. Generally, a combined approach, combining surgical and non-surgical methods, is recommended.
Among the main therapeutic strategies, we find:
1. Functional nutrition
Since lipoedema is associated with an inflammatory process, it is essential to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet. Saturated fats, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, and processed and red meats should be avoided. A diet rich in omega-3s, vegetables, and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and improve symptom management.
2. Dermatofunctional physiotherapy
Patients with lipoedema benefit from regular manual lymphatic drainage sessions, which help reduce edema and improve lymphatic circulation.
3. Liposuction: an effective surgical solution
Liposuction is considered the most effective treatment for lipoedema. It permanently eliminates abnormal fat cells, thus preventing their further proliferation .
Depending on the stage of the disease, several procedures may be necessary for optimal results. Contrary to popular belief, liposuction should not be reserved for the most advanced cases: it can be performed in the early stages to prevent lipoedema from worsening.
4. Psychological support
Lipedema impacts not only physical well-being but also body image and mental health. Psychological support can therefore be beneficial to better manage the emotional aspects of the disease.
5. Hygiene of life and practical advice
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential to slow the progression of lipoedema:
- Favor gentle, low-impact physical activity, such as swimming or walking.
- Wear support stockings to improve blood and lymphatic circulation.
- Opt for loose clothing and comfortable shoes to reduce discomfort.
Regular medical monitoring is recommended in order to adapt treatment to the progression of the disease and to optimize the quality of life of patients.
A holistic approach to lipoedema
To provide effective and comprehensive treatment for lipoedema, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that considers both physical and emotional aspects. Multidisciplinary care can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
The treatment is based on two pillars:
- Conservative measures , involving lifestyle changes and non-invasive care.
- A specialized surgical procedure , with liposuction as a long-term solution to remove affected fat cells.
This comprehensive approach is essential to combat this chronic disease, which can have a significant impact on the health, mobility, body image and self-esteem of the women affected.
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