Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What is lipedema? —
This is a condition in which extra fat builds up, typically only in the legs but sometimes in the arms. It only affects females. Lipedema is different from obesity, which affects the whole body.
Lipedema also causes pain in the affected areas. It can be stressful to live with, especially if it affects how a person feels about their body and appearance.
What causes lipedema? —
The exact cause is not known. But it seems to be related to a genetic change, and can run in families.
What are the symptoms of lipedema? —
Symptoms often start around the time of puberty, but can also start in adulthood. They typically include:
●An increase in leg size – This makes the legs look out of proportion to the rest of the body. Fat buildup can affect the hips down to the ankles. There can be extra fat around the ankles but not in the feet.
●Pain in the legs – Pain can happen at rest or when something touches the legs.
●Emotional distress – Many people with lipedema are sad or anxious about their appearance.
Some people notice their legs seem to bruise more easily.
With lipedema, there is extra fat in the legs. This is different from swelling, which is related to fluid buildup called "edema." Different things can cause fluid buildup in the body, including heart or kidney problems. Fluid can also build up if the lymphatic vessels, which remove fluid from the tissues, are blocked. This is called "lymphedema." These types of swelling are not the same as lipedema. But if your lipedema increases your weight a lot, lymphedema can also happen.
Will I need tests? —
It depends. In most cases, your doctor can figure out if you have lipedema by asking about your symptoms and doing an exam.
Sometimes, doctors do tests to help figure out if a person has lipedema or another condition. These might include imaging tests, which create pictures of the inside of the body. They include:
●MRI – This can show how much fat is in the legs and compare it with other places in the body.
●"Lymphoscintigraphy" – This is a test to look at the lymphatic vessels. If they are blocked, fluid can build up in the legs or arms and cause swelling. This is lymphedema. It is often confused with lipedema. In people with lipedema only, the lymphatic vessels work normally. But in people with excess body weight, lymphoscintigraphy might show problems with the lymphatic vessels.
How is lipedema treated? —
Treatment can include:
●Managing pain – For pain in your legs, your doctor might suggest taking medicine. If your pain is hard to manage, they might also refer you to a pain specialist. They can help you learn other ways to manage pain.
Wearing compression garments can help. These are special stockings or leggings that put gentle, steady pressure on the leg. This is more likely to help if you have swelling in addition to lipedema.
●Emotional support – Some people with lipedema feel sad or anxious. This can be related to pain, issues with body image, or both. If you are struggling to cope, tell your doctor or nurse. They can help you get support.
●Managing weight – Getting regular physical activity can help with weight control and improve your overall health and mood. It might also help with pain related to lipedema. Your doctor can help you do this in a healthy way. It usually involves increasing physical activity and making long-term changes to your eating habits. In some cases, doctors recommend weight loss surgery.
It's important to know that even if you lose weight, your legs might still look larger relative to your upper body.
●Liposuction – This is a procedure to remove extra fat from the legs. Some people choose it to help relieve symptoms, help them feel better about their appearance, or both.
Patient education: Lymphedema (The Basics)
Patient education: How to put on and take off compression stockings (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping with worry and stress (The Basics)
Patient education: Exercise and movement (The Basics)
Patient education: Losing weight through diet (The Basics)
