Localized fat and flaccidity can be a symptom of vascular disease. Lipedema is seen as obesity or overweight, much more common in women, appearing at puberty, during pregnancy or after menopause. Thus, there is swelling and an accumulation of fat, especially in the lower limbs.
“Lipedema fat is usually painful and concentrates in the hips, thighs and calves. Some small nodules may also appear,” explained Andrea Ferri Catib, nutrologist, specialist in sports medicine and member of the Brazilian Society for Physiology Studies (Sobraf).
“There is probably a link to genetics, but no gene has yet been identified. There also appears to be a relationship with estrogen, since it practically only affects women and, normally, in phases where there is an increase in this hormone, such as puberty and pregnancy,” said Andrea.
The treatment of lipedema requires a broad team, made up of an angiologist, vascular surgeon, nutritionist, physical therapist and, in some cases, a psychologist. Exams are also needed to detect endocrinological diseases that could cause similar symptoms.
According to Fernando Amato, who is a plastic surgeon and member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), surgery should be the last resort: “Only after trying clinical treatment for a while should we indicate liposuction”.
In addition to multidisciplinary monitoring, it is necessary to avoid the abuse of foods such as pork and beef, processed meats, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and industrialized products, which can intensify the inflammation of lipedema.
