This blog is about lipedema. It is a truly painful and debilitating disease that can have serious consequences for those affected. 10-18 percent of women aged 25-65 years are affected. Despite its prevalence, this condition is often overlooked and misunderstood by the medical community and even the general public.

People with lipedema experience swelling of fat cells, especially on the legs or arms, but these symptoms are often mistaken for obesity or simply dismissed as an aesthetic problem. In addition, most don't realize how difficult living with lipedema can be emotionally, from feeling invisible because doctors don't recognize it, to discrimination from strangers when patients try to do everyday things, such as Shopping at clothing stores designed for those who meet society's body mass index (BMI) standards.

In this blog post, we'll discuss what lipedema is and why more attention to treatment options is needed so that sufferers can finally get the answers - and help - they need!

What are the causes of lipedema?

The exact cause of lipedema is not known, but there are some factors that may increase the risk of developing lipedema:

Hormonal imbalance: This can be caused by fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Genetic predisposition: Certain genes may be associated with an increased risk of developing lipedema.

Age: Lipedema is more common in middle-aged women than in men and children, probably because their hormones change during this time.

Obesity: Being overweight or having a higher-than-average body mass index (BMI) may increase the risk of developing lipedema.

Low-exercise lifestyle: Insufficient physical activity may contribute to the development of lipedema.

Stress: Persistent high levels of stress may lead to an increased risk of lipedema.

Diet: A diet high in fat, sugar, and calories may increase the risk of developing lipedema.

History of trauma: Previous injuries or trauma to the legs and hips may contribute to the development of lipedema.

Occupations: Certain occupations that involve standing for long periods of time, such as in the hospitality industry, may increase the risk of developing lipedema.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and lymphedema, may increase the risk of developing lipedema.

Medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer, may cause lipedema.

The above symptoms are common in women between the ages of 25 and 65 and can be easily diagnosed by a medical professional such as a lymphologist or vein specialist. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that the condition can be treated appropriately. This way, further complications or negative physical effects of lipedema can be avoided.

What causes lipedema?

Whether the enlargement of fat cells (hypertrophy) or an Multiplication of the fat cells (hyperplasia) for this clinical picture is responsible, is still unclear. Also a combination of both Mechanisms is possible. Since almost exclusively women are affected are affected, genetic predisposition and the effect of of female hormones are also being discussed as causes.

The constant stress on the lymphatic vessels leads to degenerative Changes in the lymphatic vessels, whereby the transport capacity is is reduced. As a result, fluid remains in the tissues and leads to Edema.
If this condition persists over a prolonged period of time, it results in encroachment at the inflammation and collagen deposition in the affected areas Collagen deposits. This collagen leads to an irreversible Fibrosis of the fatty tissue and the overlying skin.

Recognize lipedema: What are the symptoms?

In the early stages, it can be difficult to distinguish lipedema from Adipositas to distinguish. As the disease progresses, one can one can distinguish between the two on the basis of the disproportionate distribution of fat tissue distinguish between the two. While the extremities swell, the hands and trunk remain slim.

The lipedema pain, especially in the late stages, can be so severe that the patients, due to their restricted mobility, they are also significantly restricted in their daily lives. Among the symptoms of lipedema also include an increased tendency to develop Hematomas. Even slight pressure causes bruising, although no blood clotting disorder is present.

The stages of lipedema:

Lipedema can be divided into three stages based on its anatomical Appearance and the pressure findings into three stages be classified. The severity of the symptoms or the volume of the edema does not play a role.

• Stage I: smooth skin surface, thickened subcutaneous fat tissue, fine nodular fat structure.

• Stage II: uneven skin surface, rough, nodular fat structure.

• Stage III: rougher and harder skin surface and subcutaneous tissues, large-lobed deformed fat lobes.

The right diet for lipedema

Patients can reduce their discomfort and pain by up to 80 percent. This showed a study by the Center for Vascular Medicine in Hamburg with obese lipedema and lymphedema patients. In addition, less Therapy required.