The disease causes deformities in the body and is considered a problem for the self-esteem of some women.
Lipedema is a chronic and progressive disease that involves the abnormal accumulation of fat in some parts of the body, usually in the legs, thighs and, in some cases, in the arms. This condition is characterized by a symmetrical increase in adipose tissue in these areas, resulting in a disproportionate appearance between the trunk and lower extremities. Recently, model Yasmim Brunet and Juliane Massaoka, a reporter for Mais Você, revealed that they suffered discomfort due to the disease.
There is no specific cause for lipedema; normally, the condition is associated with multifactorial factors, such as genetic predisposition, hormonal issues, inflammation and lymphatic dysfunction, and even environmental factors. This disease predominantly affects women and usually worsens during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. It is common for lipedema to be confused with obesity, however, it is a different condition. In most cases, patients do not respond well to diets and exercises, as the accumulated fat is resistant to weight loss.
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized lipedema as a disease. In Brazil, around 12.3% of women. Among the main symptoms of the disease are sensitivity to pressure or pain in the affected areas (even with light touch), swelling (edema) that can worsen throughout the day, easy bruising, sensitive skin prone to infections, among others.
Dr. Luiz Calmon, gynecologist, physician at Clínica Elsimar Coutinho in São Paulo, reinforces the characteristics of the disease. “It is important to separate lipedema and fat. They are different things. When a person is overweight, fat is located all over the body. In the case of lipedema, fat is concentrated, mainly in the lower limbs. It is fat that is above the ankle, reaching the entire leg and calf region, different from obesity fat.”
“Lipedema is inflamed fat, cellulite. Normally, the patient tends to feel a heaviness in the calves, marks, reddish or purple plaques may appear. This disease causes a certain deformity in a woman’s body and affects self-esteem, explains Dr. Calmon.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of lipedema is generally based on a combination of physical examination and detailed medical history. There is no definitive cure for the disease, but treatment aims to control symptoms. This may include measures such as lymphatic drainage, specific physical exercises, skin care and, in some more severe cases, surgery to remove excess fat (such as liposuction).
There is also a specific test to diagnose lipedema, lymphoscintigraphy (evaluation test of the lymphatic system).
Treatment for lipedema aims to alleviate symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. The main guidelines include:
– Graduated compression:
Wearing compression socks can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation in areas affected by lipedema.
– Lymphatic drainage: corresponds to a gentle massage technique that can help reduce swelling and improve lymphatic circulation. It is important that lymphatic drainage is performed by a trained and experienced therapist.
– Specific physical exercises: Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, walking, and aquatic exercises, may be beneficial for people with lipedema. These exercises contribute to better circulation and help strengthen muscles and reduce discomfort in affected areas.
– Skin care: People with lipedema should take extra care of their skin, keeping it clean and hydrated to prevent infections and other problems. Avoiding injuries and trauma to affected areas is also important.
– Healthy diet:
A healthy diet can help maintain body weight and reduce inflammation in the body. In this case, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins is recommended, along with adequate water intake.
– Surgery: In more severe cases of lipedema, surgery can be considered an important option for relieving symptoms. Specialized liposuction is the most common surgical procedure for the condition. Treatment involves removing excess fat in areas where the disease predominates. The procedure must be carried out by a plastic surgeon who specializes in this area.
It is important that patients with suspected lipedema seek appropriate medical advice from a healthcare professional familiar with this condition to obtain an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.
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