Lipedema

Mouth | Odontologie | Lipedema (Symptom)


Description

Lipedema is a disorder of adipose tissue 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; and (5) unlike the “normal” fat of obesity, lipedemic fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise. Surgery is highly controversial, and in many cases, can make the condition worse.

Causes

The cause of lipedema is not known, but doctors suspect female hormones play a role. Lipedema is usually triggered at puberty, but can trigger or worsen during or after pregnancy, at peri-menopause, and following gynecological surgery.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If lipedema is diagnosed early, which currently is very rare, it is possible to prevent a significant expansion of lipedemic fat cells, and to alert patients to their heightened risk for obesity so they can take appropriate action.

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