Your search

Lipoedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder mainly affecting women with excess subcutaneous fat deposition on the lower limbs, associated with pain and tenderness. There is often a family history of lipoedema, suggesting a genetic origin, but the contribution of genetics is not well studied. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for this disorder in a clinically ascertained cohort from Spain and performed a meta-analysis with the UK lipoedema cohort GWAS. We then used the results of this study as a replication of the inferred UK Biobank “lipoedema phenotype” study. Whilst our meta-analysis alone did not identify any genome-wide significant associations, our clinical cohorts provide support for three loci identified through the UKBB study: the chr2q24.3 GRB14-COBLL1 locus (rs6753142, PMETA=1.64x10-6), chr6p21.1 VEGFA locus (rs4711750, PMETA=8.99x10-7) and the chr5q11.2 ANKRD55-MAP3K1 locus (rs3936510, PMETA=1.67x10-5). We identify numerous rare SNPs with strong association signals in our meta-analysis (P<1x10-6) with support in both UK and Spanish datasets, three of which also show nominal support in the UKBB (P<0.05). These findings provide a starting point towards understanding the genetic basis of clinical lipoedema and demonstrate the utility of the interplay of large-scale biobanks genetic data and clinically ascertained cohorts to elucidate the genetic architecture of lipoedema.

Background: Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder predominantly affecting women and is frequently misclassified as obesity. While its physical manifestations are increasingly recognized, less attention has been paid to eating attitudes and psychological well-being in this population. The objective of this study was to descriptively explore eating attitudes and psychological well-being in women with lipedema.Methods:This exploratory cross-sectional study used an anonymous online survey to describe eating attitudes and psychological well-being in women with lipedema. A total of 47 participants completed the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize screening indicators of disordered eating risk and reduced psychological well-being.Results:Approximately two-thirds of participants scored at or above the EAT-26 screening cut-off, reflecting elevated screening indicators of disordered eating risk. When behavioral risk indicators were included, over 70% screened positive according to EAT-26 criteria. Reduced psychological well-being (as indicated by a WHO-5 score of ≤50) was observed in about one-fifth of the sample.Conclusion:In this exploratory sample of women with lipedema, elevated screening indicators of disordered eating risk and reduced psychological well-being were commonly observed. These findings offer preliminary insights suggesting that eating-related risk and reduced well-being may be prevalent in this population. Further research using larger, clinically verified samples is needed to better understand the psychological aspects of lipedema.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative fibrosis is a frequent complication following liposuction for lipedema. Serrapeptase, a proteolytic enzyme with purported anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects, is used empirically, but robust evidence supporting its efficacy is lacking. This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of postoperative serrapeptase supplementation in reducing fibrosis following lower limb liposuction for lipedema. METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study included 50 female patients with a confirmed diagnosis of lipedema undergoing tumescent liposuction. Patients were allocated to either a serrapeptase group (n = 25), receiving 60,000 IU daily for 4 weeks, or a control group (n = 25) receiving standard care alone. The primary outcome was tissue stiffness measured by quantitative ultrasound elastography (QUS). Secondary outcomes included B-mode ultrasonography, patient-reported pain (VAS), and clinical assessment of induration. Evaluations were performed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 months. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in the primary outcome of tissue stiffness at 4 weeks (14.8 ± 3.1 kPa vs. 15.2 ± 3.0 kPa; p = 0.62) or 3 months (13.7 ± 2.9 kPa vs. 14.0 ± 3.2 kPa; p = 0.78). Similarly, no significant benefits were seen in secondary outcomes, including fibrotic changes on ultrasound, VAS pain scores, or clinical induration (p > 0.05 for all). Serrapeptase was well-tolerated with no adverse events reported. CONCLUSIONS: Oral serrapeptase supplementation did not demonstrate measurable efficacy in preventing postoperative fibrosis or improving patient-reported outcomes following liposuction for lipedema. These findings do not support its routine use in this clinical setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors   www.springer.com/00266 .

Lipoedema is a chronic disorder primarily affecting women. Often mistaken for obesity due to its characteristic build-up of fat cells in the legs and sometimes arms, lipoedema leaves women vulnerable to social stigma. This study investigated the role of fears of compassion and depressive symptoms in the context of weight stigma and internal weight bias in women with lipoedema.

Background Lipedema is characterized by disproportionate gluteofemoral adiposity with anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that this phenotype may confer immunological protection against T-helper 1 (Th1)-mediated autoimmunity ("Immunological Shield Hypothesis"). Objective The objective of this study is to explore whether women with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-defined lipedema-like phenotype, characterized by disproportionate gluteofemoral fat accumulation, exhibit distinct immunometabolic profiles and lower prevalence of celiac disease (CD) autoimmunity in a nationally representative sample. Methods The cross-sectional analysis included 3,833 women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. Celiac disease (n=11, 0.56% weighted prevalence) was defined by strict serology (tissue transglutaminase {tTG}-IgA+/endomysial antibody {EMA}-IgA+); lipedema phenotype was defined as leg-to-trunk fat ratio of >90th percentile via DXA. Results Women with celiac disease exhibited 7.4% lower gynoid fat (39.5% versus 42.6%, p=0.0007), persisting in overweight/obese strata. Conversely, the lipedema phenotype demonstrated superior metabolic health: 44.2% lower homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p<0.001) and 7.6% lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p=0.012). Conclusions This exploratory population-based analysis identifies phenotypic divergence in fat distribution between the DXA-defined lipedema phenotype and celiac disease autoimmunity, yielding observations consistent with, but not confirmatory of, the "Immunological Shield Hypothesis." While limited by the small number of celiac cases (n=11), a sample size insufficient to detect prevalence differences for a ~7%-9% phenotype, for which approximately 225-600 celiac cases would be required, the observed differences in gynoid adiposity (7.4% reduction, p=0.0007) and the favorable metabolic profile of the lipedema phenotype (44.2% lower HOMA-IR and 7.6% lower NLR) suggest biological plausibility warranting validation in larger, targeted cohorts. These findings motivate targeted studies to evaluate whether dietary exposures, including gluten-related immune activation, interact with gluteofemoral adipose biology in lipedema.

Thieme E-Books & E-Journals

BackgroundEndothermal ablation (ETA) is a well-established treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). However, its effectiveness in patients with concomitant lipedema remains poorly described. Given the distinct pathophysiological features and symptom burden of lipedema, outcomes may differ in this subgroup.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of patients with CVI alone and those with CVI plus lipedema. All patients underwent ETA, with adjunctive phlebectomies as indicated. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the EQ-5D-VAS and CIVIQ-20 questionnaires before surgery and at 3 months postoperatively. Demographic and clinical variables included age, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and symptom profile. The primary outcome was the change in CIVIQ-20 score at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in EQ-5D-VAS and postoperative complications (hematoma, paresthesia, superficial and deep vein thrombosis).ResultsA total of 48 patients were included (32 with CVI alone, 16 with CVI and lipedema). Preoperative QoL impairment was significantly greater in the lipedema cohort (median CIVIQ-20: 61.0 [49.5-69.5]) compared with CVI alone (46.0 [33.0-56.0], p = .001). At 3 months, both groups demonstrated significant improvement (p < .001 for within-group change). However, the magnitude of improvement was greater in CVI alone (median reduction: -13.5 [-19.5 to -5.0]) than in CVI plus lipedema (-4.0 [-7.0 to -1.5]; p = .012). Multivariable regression identified higher baseline CIVIQ-20 (β = 0.60; SE = 0.09; p < .001) and lipedema status (β = 12.44; SE = 2.43; p < .001) as independent predictors of poorer postoperative CIVIQ-20 outcomes. Paresthesia was more frequent in lipedema patients (25.0% vs 18.8% at 1 month; 12.5% vs 6.2% at 3 months).ConclusionWhile ETA significantly improves QoL in patients with CVI, those with concomitant lipedema experience smaller gains and a higher rate of postoperative paresthesia. These findings highlight the importance of setting realistic expectations and counseling lipedema patients regarding potential outcomes of venous interventions.

Lipedema is a multifactorial disorder with a negative evolutionary trend, influenced by genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and vascular factors that are not fully understood. Inflammation is a typical feature of lipedema and can be managed by limiting glycemic spikes. Herein, we report the case of a patient diagnosed with lipedema who followed a ketogenic diet (KD) for 6 months, resulting in a weight loss of 12 kg. Afterward, she transitioned to a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet for an additional 6 months, maintaining the good results achieved in terms of quality of life (QoL) improvement, weight control, and pain management. The patient regularly engaged in resistance training, which preserved and improved muscle mass. The primary and new outcome was due to the introduction of the second phase of the nutritional plan, specifically the low-carbohydrate diet, which could be an innovative approach. Often, diets that contain standard amounts of carbohydrates do not yield appreciable results.

BackgroundLipedema is a chronic disorder involving abnormal accumulation of subcutaneous fat, primarily in the lower limbs. Liposuction is an effective treatment, but postoperative complications such as fluid retention and seroma formation are common. While the use of surgical drains is well established in other areas of plastic surgery, their role in lipedema liposuction remains unclear.MethodsThis prospective observational study involved 50 consecutive patients with stage II or III lipedema who underwent lower leg liposuction. A novel passive drainage technique was used, involving glove drains fashioned from sterile, powder-free nitrile gloves and inserted through existing liposuction incisions. Drain duration, postoperative swelling, and complications, particularly seroma formation, were evaluated.ResultsAll patients completed follow-up with no major complications. Glove drains remained in place for an average of 2.4 ± 0.5 days. Only 2 patients (4%) developed seromas requiring single aspiration. No infections, hematomas, or lymphatic complications were recorded. Patients reported reduced swelling and discomfort compared to historical cases without drains.ConclusionPassive glove drains appear to be a simple, safe, and effective method to manage postoperative fluid collections after lipedema liposuction of the lower legs. The technique may lower the risk of seroma formation and promote early recovery, characterized by reduced postoperative edema, improved patient comfort, and an uncomplicated short-term postoperative course. Further controlled studies are needed to validate these findings and establish standardized drainage protocols in lipedema surgery.

Background:  Lipedema is a progressive subcutaneous adipose tissue disorder predominantly affecting women. Characterized by painful nodules and inflammation, it impairs mobility and quality of life. Traditional nonsurgical treatments currently offer limited relief and necessitate additional interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SMiLE (Softening, Mobilization, Liposuction, Extraction), a lipedema reduction surgery (LRS) technique. This technique combines lymphatic-sparing liposuction with manual lipedema extraction to comprehensively remove lipedema nodules. Methods:  Sixty-two women who underwent LRS with the SMiLE technique by the primary author participated in the study and completed an online survey. Data were collected on prior medical history related to lipedema development and comorbidities and outcome measures such as pain, activities of daily living, and quality of life before and after surgery. Results:  The findings demonstrate significant improvements in patients’ daily lives following surgery. Pain levels decreased by an average of 73.9%, with the most notable reduction in the buttock shelf (81.3%). Mobility improved for 93% of participants who had faced challenges before LRS, and quality-of-life assessments indicated a 47.5% reduction in the negative impact of lipedema postsurgery. Conclusions:  The SMiLE technique offers an advancement in the surgical management of lipedema by enabling the effective removal of lipedema tissue. Alongside a reduction in pain and improvement in mobility, this method addresses physical and psychological burdens. This study suggested that the SMiLE technique could be considered an option as part of a comprehensive approach to treating patients with lipedema.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with lipedema who presented to our outpatient clinic in Çorum, thereby contributing to defining the lipedema case profile in our country. Material and Methods: We included 80 female patients diagnosed with lipedema at the physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic of our hospital between January 2020-July 2023. Data on age, body mass index (BMI), lipedema type-stage, and symptoms were collected from medical records. Laboratory evaluations, including hemogram, 25-OH vitamin D, vitamin B12, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lower limb venous doppler ultrasound results were also obtained from medical records. Results: The mean age was 46.46±9.72 years and BMI was 32.12±4.84. Type 2 lipedema was the most common, followed by Type 1 and Type 3. Stage 2 lipedema was seen in 63.8% of the patients, stage 1 in 21.2%, and stage 3 in 15%. Common symptoms included pain, swelling, fatigue, and leg heaviness. The mean CRP was 4.88±2.89 mg/L, ESR was 18.58±10.06 mm/h, 25-OH vitamin D was 18.73±12.95 ng/dl, and vitamin B12 was 359.74±155.12 pg/ml. Venous insufficiency was present in 50% of the patients. Lipedema stage showed significant positive correlations with age (r: 0.284, p: 0.011), BMI (r: 0.307, p: 0.006), and ESR (r: 0.271, p: 0.015).Conclusion: Patients presenting with swelling and pain in the lower limbs should always be assessed for lipedema, and it should also be considered that venous insufficiency and vitamin deficiencies may coexist in these patients.

Review Article Background: Lipedema and advanced lymphedema are chronic disorders of adipose and lymphatic tissues that remain frequently underdiagnosed. Their coexistence poses therapeutic challenges, particularly when conservative management fails. Although international guidelines support surgical intervention in selected cases, real-world data from resourcelimited hospital settings remain scarce. Objective: To report the experience of a Moroccan tertiary university hospital in the surgical management of advanced lipedema and lymphedema and to compare clinical outcomes with current international recommendations. Methods: A retrospective descriptive case series was conducted between 2021 and 2024. Three patients underwent surgical treatment using tumescent liposuction or en bloc tissue resection with skin grafting. Postoperative outcomes were assessed clinically and through a structured quality-of-life questionnaire inspired by the SF-36, focusing on pain, mobility, and overall satisfaction. Results: All procedures were completed without intraoperative or postoperative complications. The volume of aspirated adipose tissue ranged from 2.1 to 4.0 L. One patient with advanced secondary lymphedema required surgical resection, with evacuation of 1.2 L of lymphorrhea. Postoperative satisfaction ranged from moderate to high, with reported quality-of-life scores between 5 and 8 out of 10. These findings are consistent with outcomes reported in recent international series. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of advanced lipedema and lymphedema is feasible, safe, and clinically beneficial, even in resource-limited settings. An individualized, guideline-based approach allows satisfactory functional and quality-of-life outcomes. Further prospective studies with standardized assessment tools are required.

INTRODUCTION: Lipedema causes abnormal fat accumulation in the limbs, leading to pain, functional impairment, and body image disturbance. Nowadays, various liposuction techniques are available. The wet technique is increasingly being considered as the gold standard; however, comparative data between the dry and wet methods remain limited. We evaluated the efficacy of liposuction and compared outcomes between dry and wet approaches. Our analysis focused on surgical characteristics, complication rates, and clinical outcomes including pain relief, functional improvement, and esthetic satisfaction, with comparisons made between preoperative and 12-month postoperative results. METHODS: Besides surgical data extraction, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were obtained through three different standardized questionnaires to assess pain relief, function gain, and esthetic satisfaction. RESULTS: Both techniques were effective, demonstrating overall improvements in pain, function, and body image, when comparing pre and postoperative outcomes. Lipoaspirate volumes were comparable between the groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in the wet technique group. Short-term complication rates did not differ between dry and wet techniques. While both techniques led to a global improvement, the wet technique showed greater potential in pain reduction and better esthetics satisfaction 12 months post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Lipedema is a complex disease that is still poorly understood. Liposuction may offer symptomatic relief regardless of the technique used, but the wet technique demonstrates better postoperative results, with improved PROMs and fewer complications. The treatment of lipedema requires a multidisciplinary approach, while conservative therapy remains the first-line option, surgical treatment by wet liposuction should be considered for its significant potential in improving functional outcomes and as an effective therapeutic option.

Background/Objectives: Lipedema is a chronic, progressive adipo-fascial disorder characterized by connective tissue dysfunction, fibrosis, microangiopathy, and adipose tissue proliferation. Although lipedema has traditionally been described as a regionally confined disorder, emerging evidence suggests that it may reflect a broader stromal and connective tissue dysfunction. It is therefore plausible that anatomical regions not historically associated with lipedema may also exhibit alterations consistent with this dysfunctional stromal pattern. From this perspective, breast tissue-rich in fibro-glandular and stromal components-represents a compelling model in which to investigate whether such features are present. The breast, with its complex fibro-glandular and stromal architecture, represents a physiologically plausible site of involvement; however, its structural features in lipedema have never been systematically examined. The primary aim of this study was therefore to determine whether breast tissue-rich in fibro-glandular and stromal components-shows recurrent imaging or histopathological features suggestive of lipedema-related involvement. A secondary aim was to compare the frequency of these findings with patterns typically reported in healthy screening populations. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 62 women (mean age: 44 ± 8 years), obtained between September and November 2025, with a clinical diagnosis of lipedema who voluntarily provided breast imaging reports (ultrasound, mammography, or magnetic resonance imaging, MRI). Results: The findings revealed a remarkably high prevalence of fibro-glandular parenchyma (45%), multiple diffuse cysts (42%), microcalcifications (21%), and fibroadenomas (43.5%), with frequencies substantially exceeding those documented in healthy screening populations. Additional features included significant breast asymmetry or tuberous morphology (6%), reactive or sclero-lipomatous lymph nodes (19%), and recurrent stromal hyperplasia on biopsy. Histological evaluations (n = 9) consistently showed fibroproliferative alterations, including stromal hypercellularity, adenosis, fibroepithelial lesions, apocrine metaplasia, and pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia, suggesting a shared extracellular matrix-related dysplastic phenotype between lipedema-affected breast tissue and peripheral adipose tissue. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that lipedema may express a characteristic breast phenotype driven by stromal and extracellular matrix dysregulation. If confirmed in larger controlled studies, these recurrent alterations could contribute to improved diagnostic frameworks and raise awareness of lipedema as a systemic connective tissue disorder with underrecognized breast manifestations.

Background: Lipedema is a progressive disorder of subcutaneous connective tissue, predominantly affecting women, and characterized by an increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue, particularly in the lower body. This study aims to explore the gut microbiota (GM) profile in lipedema patients to characterize the associated GM and compare it with the control group. Methods: A prospective randomized case-control pilot study was conducted from September 2023 to May 2024, involving 55 Caucasian women, aged 20-60. The participants were divided into two groups: 35 with lipedema (LIPPY) and 20 controls (CTRL). Body composition was assessed using Dual X-ray Absorbimetry (DXA), and GM analysis was performed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: LIPPY subjects showed increased Intramuscular Adipose Tissue (IMAT) and reduced Lean Mass (LM)/Fat Mass (FM) ratios. While alpha and beta diversity metrics did not differ significantly between groups, differential abundance analysis identified a significant reduction in Eggerthellaceae (Log Fold Change (LFC) = -0.19, p = 0.04) and enrichment of Propionibacteriaceae (LFC = +0.18, p = 0.009) and Acidaminococcaceae (LFC = +0.32, p = 0.013) in the LIPPY group. Genus-level analysis showed a significant reduction in Blautia and Ruminiclostridium (LFC = -0.32 and -0.02; p = 0.02 and 0.04) and enrichment of Anaerostipes, Propionibacterium, and Phascolarctobacterium (LFC = +0.07, +0.17, and +0.34; p = 0.02, 0.005, 0.005, respectively). In correlation analyses, within LIPPY, Eggerthellaceae correlated negatively with Body Mass Index (BMI) (ρ = -0.61, p < 0.05) and positively with Appenicular (Appen) LM/Weight and AppenLM/BMI (ρ = +0.43 and +0.41, p < 0.05), while Anaerostipes correlated positively with these lean mass indices (ρ = +0.40, p < 0.05). In CTRL, only Anaerostipes showed a significant negative correlation with BMI (ρ = -0.64, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of a distinct GM profile in LIPPY, with notable links to adverse body composition markers such as IMAT. Trial Registration: Trial registered on 24 June 2013 with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT01890070).

Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder primarily affecting women, marked by abnormal, symmetrical, and disproportionate accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the lower limbs and sometimes in the arms, with hands and feet typically spared. Frequently misdiagnosed as lymphedema or obesity, lipedema presents with pain, easy bruising, bilateral nonpitting edema, and swelling that worsens throughout the day. We present two cases: Two middle-aged women reported longstanding bilateral lower limb swelling, pain, and varicose veins, without significant comorbidities. Clinical examination revealed characteristic disproportionate fat distribution and negative Stemmer's sign. Laboratory investigations and lymphoscintigraphy excluded other causes of edema. Imaging confirmed subcutaneous thickening, fat stranding, and varicosities. Both patients were advised to have conservative management including compression therapy, limb elevation, physiotherapy and dietary counseling; one exhibited significant limb volume reduction. Our report underscores the importance of recognizing lipedema for early diagnosis and effective management to prevent progression and complications.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy in females with Stage 2 lipedema, focusing on limb circumference, pain, functional status, and quality of life. Patients and methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 female patients diagnosed with Stage 2 lipedema between September 2024 and May 2025. Participants were randomized to a TECAR group (n=15; mean age: 52.7±13.1 years; range 39 to 66 years) or a control group (n=15; mean age: 45.9±12.9 years; range, 37 to 59 years). Both groups received compression garments and a structured exercise program. The TECAR group additionally underwent six TECAR sessions over three weeks. Outcomes included lower limb circumference, Visual Analog Scale for pain, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-Leg, assessed at baseline and at one and three months after treatment. Results: The groups were comparable at baseline for age (p=0.163) and body mass index (31.85±4.08 kg/m² in the TECAR group and 30.02±4.08 kg/m² in the control group; p=0.112). The TECAR therapy resulted in greater reductions in lower limb circumference compared to standard care, with a statistically significant and sustained improvement observed only in the supramalleolar region at three months (p<0.05). A significant short-term reduction in pain was observed at one month (p=0.003) only in the TECAR group, but this effect was not maintained at three months (p>0.05). Functional scores showed a nonsignificant trend toward improvement (p=0.058). The overall quality of life score improved significantly in the TECAR group (p=0.002), although no individual Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire subdomain reached statistical significance (p>0.05). Conclusion: As an adjunct to standard care, TECAR therapy appears to reduce pain and limb volume and enhance overall quality of life in Stage 2 lipedema. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.