Lipoedema is a long-term condition where there's an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs, buttocks and sometimes in the arms. Lipoedema usually only affects women, although in rare cases it can also affect men.
Your treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are and how they're affecting you. The main treatments are: eating healthily, doing more exercise and trying to maintain a healthy weight. wearing compression stockings or bandages to reduce pain and discomfort, and make it easier for you to walk.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle, including long periods of sitting or low physical activity, can contribute to weight gain and the accumulation of excess fat on the thighs and inner thigh fat pockets. If you don't engage in regular exercise, your body burns fewer calories, leading to the storage of excess energy as fat.
Lipoedema is a condition that mainly affects women and is characterised by a painful swelling in the legs, thighs and buttocks, and sometimes the arms. Lipoedema occurs because of the abnormal accumulation of fat and other tissues under the skin.
It may be encouraging if you've just had a lipedema diagnosis to know that lipedema life expectancy is as long as for other people the same age. However, it's essential to recognize that there can be a serious impact on your quality of life. Lipedema, in itself, doesn't shorten your lifespan.
Lipedema doesn't respond to diet and exercise like ordinary fat. Although there isn't a cure for lipedema, treatments can help you feel better.
It can make the legs look like columnar trunks, or lumpy. Deposits of fat can also appear just below the knee. Fat feels abnormal and painful. Unlike normal fat accumulation, fat areas resulting from lipedema tend to be very tender if you apply pressure and may be easy to bruise.
Foods to Avoid with Lipedema
High-Sodium Foods: Excess salt can cause water retention, aggravating the swelling in lipedema. Avoid eating processed meats, canned soups, and salty snacks.
At home, you can perform a simple pinch test to check for lipedema. Gently pinch the skin on your thigh or calf to determine if you can grab a small fold of skin. If it is difficult to pick up a fold of skin, it might indicate the presence of lipedema.
STAGE 1. Smooth skin with an increase of enlarged subcutaneous fat tissue. Fat buildup around pelvis, buttocks, and hips.
Estrogen is one of the leading hormonal causes of thigh fat because it causes increased levels of fat cells which cause fat deposits to form in and around the thighs. Age can also be a contributing factor because aging results in a slower metabolism, which makes it more difficult to eliminate fat.
VASER liposuction, an innovative advancement in lipedema treatment, employs ultrasound technology to break down fat cells before their removal. This method is especially noteworthy as it allows for precise removal of fat, thus minimizing the collateral damage to surrounding tissues.
The lipedema fat itself is not smooth but feels like gelatin with small pea-sized nodules like foam balls in a bag. The excess fat growth on the buttocks, hips and legs gives a distorted pear shape to the body where the lower body is clearly out of proportion to the upper body (Figure 2).
Diosmin: Perhaps the most effective supplement to take is Diosmin, a bioflavonoid that is commonly found in citrus fruits. They can have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lymph-tonic properties that will help with your symptoms of lipedema.
Some insurance companies may cover part of the costs, while others might not cover it at all. Coverage often depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. This means that if liposuction is considered essential for treating lipedema, there is a higher chance of getting coverage.
Causes of lipoedema
Hormonal factors are thought to contribute to the condition but there is no evidence that any tests would detect any abnormalities. Research appears to show that weight gain is most likely to make the condition worse if someone is likely to develop lipoedema.
These can promote inflammation in the body and lead to weight gain. Good hydration is important to support lymphatic flow and reduce swelling. Drink plenty of water daily, herbal teas can also be a beneficial addition.
Ozempic for Lipedema
Many lipedema patients struggle with weight management because of the distinctive fat deposition patterns. Ozempic, which reduces hunger and aids in weight loss, may alleviate some lipedema symptoms such as discomfort, swelling, and irritation.
Fair Health Data on Lipedema Surgery Costs
The total cost ranges from $20,720 in Florida to $65,200 in California.
There's no specific test for lipoedema. The main sign is fat deposits on both sides of your body. These are out of proportion with the rest of your build, particularly on your buttocks and thighs. The fat can feel lumpy and be painful to touch.
Lipedema adipose tissue is usually not responsive to diet and exercise, thus invasive techniques such as suction lipectomy are usually required. The use of fat-burning supplements and lean mass enhancers could improve the process of weight loss and but also increase muscle mass and possibly muscle function.
While some outlets claim that Kim has mentioned a Lipedema diagnosis, there is no evidence to confirm this. Regardless, Kim has become one of the most famous and wealthy celebrities globally, with much of her public image centred around her unique, womanly body shape.
This condition primarily affects women and can lead to physical discomfort and disability. Recognizing Lipedema as a distinct condition is the first step toward effective management and support.