Lipoedema
What causes lipoedema?
The cause of lipoedema is not known, but there is a family history of the conditioninsome cases and it seems likely that the genes you inherit from your parentsplaya role.
Lipoedema tends to start at puberty or at times of hormonal change, such as pregnancy or the menopause , which suggests hormones may also have an influence.
Although the accumulation of fat tends to be worse in people who are obese,the condition is not caused by obesity andcan affect people who are a normal weight. It should not be mistaken for obesity, as dieting often makes little difference to the condition (see below).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Lipoedema is a poorly understood long-term (chronic) condition typically involving an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs and buttocks.
Signs and symptoms
In lipoedema, the legs become enlarged from the ankles up to the hips.Both legs are usually enlargedat the same time and to the same extent. The feet are not affected and this creates a bracelet ef
What causes lipoedema?
The cause of lipoedema is not known, but there is a family history of the conditioninsome cases and it seems likely that the genes you inherit from your parentsplaya role. Lipoedema tends to start at
Seeking medical advice
You should see your GP if you have symptoms of lipoedema so they can try to identify the cause. This will usually involve examining the affected areas of your body to help determine whether you have
Treating lipoedema
As there has been little research into lipoedema, there is some uncertainty about the best way to treat the condition. Generally, the main treatment optionsare non-surgical treatments and liposuction
Information about you
If you have lipoedema, your clinical team may pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for better
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