What is Lipedema?

It is not necessary to be overweight or morbidly obese to suffer lipedema on the skin. Most cases appear on the legs of women, who are disfigured by an apparent “cellulite” and that does not improve with exercise or diet. Below we reveal everything related to this disease, its symptoms and the differences with the famous cellulite.

What is lipedema on the legs?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is an atypical, soft and symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, which is accompanied by permanent swelling and takes over the legs. It tends to bruise, since the capillaries are more fragile, and is a chronic and degenerative disease of adipose tissue.

Lypedema generally occurs in women. It appears after puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. So it is believed that the cause is hormonal changes, although it also seems that there is a certain genetic predisposition. So any relationship to obesity or being overweight is ruled out.

Lipedema

What are your symptoms?

The symptoms are not exactly the same in all patients, nor do they have the same intensity. It can have one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Decompensation between thick legs and slender feet, although both legs have the same appearance.
  • Tendency to bruises on the legs.
  • Appearance of varicose veins or spider veins.
  • If you press your leg with your finger, the skin does not sag.
  • Pain in the legs, even if it is to the touch.
  • Knee discomfort.
  • It appears or worsens during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
  • Loss of elasticity in the dermis.
  • Fat loss diets do not usually improve the problem.
  • Lower temperature in the affected area.

Is it the same as cellulite?

Many people think that skin pits can go away easily if you have a strict diet and get enough exercise. In the case of cellulite it is possible, but not with lipedema. They are two completely different cases, although in appearance they can be confused.

Cellulite is a condition caused by circulatory problems, which causes the accumulation of fats and toxins; instead, lipedema is a chronic disease. In it, fat also accumulates under the skin, but at a deeper level. In addition, there is greater weakness in the blood capillaries, making bruises more likely to arise.