Shape Disproportion

The buildup of fatty tissue in lipedema mainly affects both legs, leading to a shape disproportion between the upper and lower body. A narrow waist and larger hips and thighs are a characteristic sign of lipedema. The fat distribution is symmetrical in both legs and arms. Together with the sensation of pain in the affected area, these signs help distinguish between lipedema and other diseases.

Diseases that are often mistaken for lipedema, but don’t go ahead with shape disproportions and pain, are:

• Obesity
• Lymphedema
• Lipohypertrophy – Abnormal accumulation of fat underneath the skin that is often associated with injections (e.g., Insuline injections for Diabetes)
• Chronic venous insufficiency – Damages to the vein walls impair the blood flow back to the heart and result in swollen legs and feet.
• Chronic heart failure – The heart fails to pump an adequate amount of blood around the body. The backpressure of blood leads to increased pressure within the smallest blood vessels, and fluid leaks out into the tissues.
• Gravitational edema – Also called dependent edema: results from long standing or sitting and disappears with movement.
• Hormonal disorders:
  • Lack of thyroid hormones
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • Growth hormone disorders
• Rare diseases, such as Dercum’s disease – Buildup of painful lipomas (distinct growth of fatty tissue).

It is important to know that lipedema and some of the conditions mentioned above can appear together, e.g. obesity, lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and gravitational edema.

Shape disproportions are a significant burden for lipedema patients. You may find it difficult to accept your body as it does not fit the typical beauty ideal. Moreover, a narrow waist and larger thighs and hips can make it hard to buy clothes. Nevertheless, it is important to focus on a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a stable weight instead of dieting. Many lipedema patients try to lose weight with different diets and often gain more weight than before.