Because it causes localized fat and sagging skin, lipedema is commonly viewed as obesity or overweight. But we are talking about different conditions.

Lipedema is a chronic vascular disease much more common in women, which tends to appear at puberty, during pregnancy, or after menopause. In short, 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,” explains Andrea Ferri Catib, a nutritionist, sports medicine specialist, and member of the Brazilian Society for Physiology Studies (Sobraf). “The appearance of bruises, often without even trauma, is common,” she adds. The patient may also have hypersensitivity to touch, ligament laxity, and a lot of skin flaccidity.

Other symptoms include disproportion between the legs and torso, cellulite, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, and fatigue. Over time, there is a risk of deformities and mobility problems.

On the other hand, obesity fat, according to Catib, is distributed more uniformly throughout the body. And it is also eliminated with less difficulty through diet and physical activity, which does not happen in cases of lipedema. In fact, this condition is not always accompanied by excess weight.

“Probably, there is a genetic link, but no gene has yet been identified. There also seems to be a relationship with estrogen, as it affects practically only women and, usually, in phases where there is an increase in this hormone, such as puberty and gestation,” states Catib. “In men, the few cases reported in medical literature were of patients who had liver problems or testosterone deficiencies,” she adds.

The treatment of lipedema requires a multidisciplinary team, consisting of an angiologist, vascular surgeon, nutritionist, physical therapist, and, in some cases, a psychologist. Tests are also performed to detect endocrinological diseases that could cause similar symptoms.

In the opinion of Fernando Amato, a plastic surgeon and member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), surgery should be the last option: “Only after attempting clinical treatment for some time should we recommend liposuction.”

In addition to multidisciplinary follow-up, it is recommended to avoid excessive consumption of foods such as pork and beef, processed meats, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and industrialized products, which can intensify the inflammation of lipedema. Exercise, on the other hand, is highly recommended.