What is Lipedema/ Lipoedema?

Lipedema/ Lipoedema (both spellings are used interchangeably) is a cronic disorder of the adipose tissue generally affecting the legs, and sometimes the arms, but not the feet, to accumulate fatty tissue. It occurs almost exclusively in women and is typically dismissed as simple obesity. If you have struggled with fat hips and legs and/or upper arms, and that fat would not go away despite diet and exercise, you may have lipoedema.


Believed to be hormonal in nature, lipoedema usually is triggered at puberty, but can appear during or after pregnancy, menopause, extreme stress, surgery or other trauma.
Lipoedema is distinguished by five characteristics:
1) it can be inherited
2) it occurs almost exclusively in women
3) it can occur in women of all sizes, from the seriously  underweight to the morbidly obese
4) it involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells in an unusual and particular pattern – bilateral, symmetrical and usually from the waist to a distinct line just above the ankles
5) unlike the “normal” fat of obesity, lipedemic fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise
1) it can be inherited
2) it occurs almost exclusively in women
3) it can occur in women of all sizes, from the seriously  underweight to the morbidly obese
4) it involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells in an unusual and particular pattern – bilateral, symmetrical and usually from the waist to a distinct line just above the ankles
5) unlike the “normal” fat of obesity, lipedemic fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise
1) it can be inherited
2) it occurs almost exclusively in women
3) it can occur in women of all sizes, from the seriously  underweight to the morbidly obese
4) it involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells in an unusual and particular pattern – bilateral, symmetrical and usually from the waist to a distinct line just above the ankles
5) unlike the “normal” fat of obesity, lipedemic fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise
1) it can be inherited
2) it occurs almost exclusively in women
3) it can occur in women of all sizes, from the seriously  underweight to the morbidly obese
4) it involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells in an unusual and particular pattern – bilateral, symmetrical and usually from the waist to a distinct line just above the ankles
5) unlike the “normal” fat of obesity, lipedemic fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise
1) it can be inherited
2) it occurs almost exclusively in women
3) it can occur in women of all sizes, from the seriously  underweight to the morbidly obese
4) it involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells in an unusual and particular pattern – bilateral, symmetrical and usually from the waist to a distinct line just above the ankles
5) unlike the “normal” fat of obesity, lipedemic fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise

Lipedema shows up primarily as disproportionately large, column-like legs. As lipedema progresses, patients become increasingly heavy in the lower body. The additional, expanding fat cells interfere with the pathways of lymphatic vessels, and patients can develop secondary lymphedema, a condition known as lipo-lymphedema. Lipedemic fat can be very painful, and if not kept in check through a healthy lifestyle the condition can worsen, and patients can become progressively less mobile. 
Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is used primarily in the treatment of lipoedema. It includes Manual Lymphatic Therapy (MLT), bandaging, wearing compression garments, exercises and proper diet.
Appointment: (714) 343-1966
e-mail: info@healingtouch.pro