Locations:
Search IconSearch

Here’s What You Should Know About Lipedema, a Condition That Causes Excess Fat in the Legs

It’s commonly mistaken for obesity

An illustration of the midsection and upper legs of a person wearing underwear

Lipedema: No, it’s not a typo. It’s a real condition that’s often overlooked or confused with lymphedema. And its hallmark is the development of too much fat below the waist.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

“Because women with lipedema are often overweight, doctors are often dismissive,” says vascular medicine specialist John R. Bartholomew, MD. But lipedema is not obesity, and it’s not always a woman’s fault that she has it.

“Doctors often don’t understand that exercising and dieting won’t get rid of this lipedema fat,” he says.

Lipedema means “fluid in the fat” and is sometimes known as the painful fat disorder. It causes excessive fat deposits on the legs, thighs and buttocks and upper arms.

“Women with lipedema frequently feel like they have two bodies,” Dr. Bartholomew explains. “They may have a typical upper body, chest and abdomen. But at their waist and below, their lower half is out of proportion to their upper half. They often have difficulty finding clothes that fit because it’s like they are two different people.”

It occurs almost exclusively in women and begins:

  • Around the time of a woman’s first menstruation.
  • During pregnancy.
  • Later in life (it may be related to hormone therapy)

While doctors first recognized lipedema in the 1940s, experts still don’t know what causes it. “We think there may be a gene because it does seem to run in families,” Dr. Bartholomew says. “Often, I’ll ask a woman if her mother or other females in her family had a similar body shape.”

A case of mistaken identity: lipedema symptoms vs. lymphedema symptoms

Lipedema isn’t rare, but it’s rarely diagnosed, Dr. Bartholomew points out: “Doctors don’t know about lipedema — it’s that simple.”

Advertisement

Yet there are many telltale symptoms, including:

  • Fat deposits on the legs, thighs and buttocks.
  • Painful legs.
  • Swelling that doesn’t indent if you apply pressure to it (called non-pitting edema).
  • Swelling that persists all day, even when legs are elevated.
  • Bruising easily.
  • Small spider or varicose veins, especially around the ankles.
  • The ankle cut-off sign, which looks like someone put a tourniquet around the lower ankles (the feet are spared).

“Most doctors think obesity, heart failure, kidney failure, liver disease, thyroid problems or medications cause the leg swelling,” Dr. Bartholomew says. “Or they think it’s lymphedema, which is swelling that usually occurs in one arm or leg.”

While lipedema and lymphedema both do involve swelling, that’s where their similarities end.

lymphedema vs. lipedema symptoms

Lymphedema treatments won’t help someone with lipedema, so a correct diagnosis is crucial. Some patients with lipedema develop secondary lymphedema (referred to as lipo-lymphedema), where fat growth interferes with the lymphatic system. Lymphedema treatments may help some of the symptoms, but it still won’t resolve the lipedema.

Finding effective lipedema treatments

While there are no proven medications for lipedema, Dr. Bartholomew says there are some lifestyle changes and treatments that can help:

  • Diet: A heart-healthy diet may slow the growth of fat deposits.
  • Exercise: Walking, swimming or biking may reduce painful symptoms.
  • Compression garments: These tight garments can provide relief (if they’re not too tight or painful to wear).
  • Physical and occupational therapy: Patients can learn how to do manual lymphatic drainage therapy. “This gentle form of skin stretching and massage may help with symptoms or help contain the fat,” Dr. Bartholomew says.
  • Liposuction: “Some doctors use a water jet to disconnect the fat and prevent damage to the lymphatic vessels, which could cause lymphedema,” he explains. “Other types of liposuction appear to work as well.”

Dr. Bartholomew also emphasizes that finding emotional support can be huge — especially from other women living with lipedema. To connect with others about the condition, visit:

Lastly, try not to be intimidated by a dismissive doctor. Chances are, the doctor simply doesn’t know what lipedema is.

In those cases, he encourages women to give information about lipedema to their physician. “If you have a physician who is understanding and will look at it, then stay with that physician,” he recommends. “If they tell you, ‘No. You’re just fat and not following your diet,’ get a different doctor.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Female child being examined by healthcare provider in medical office
October 3, 2024/Children's Health
Signs of Autism in Girls and Women — and Why They Can Be Overlooked

Differences in symptom presentation may lead to women and girls being underdiagnosed

Smiling Person briskly walking outside on sidewalk, jacket tied around waist
September 18, 2024/Heart Health
Can Walking Speed Be a Sign of Your Heart Health?

Studies show those who walk faster tend to have a lower risk of heart disease

Older person with can, sitting down on bed
September 16, 2024/Heart Health
Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Recognizing subtle symptoms, like cold sweats, stomach discomfort and nausea, could be the key to survival

Person standing on scale in their bathroom, with measuring tape around waist
August 16, 2024/Heart Health
Do Statins Cause Weight Gain?

Statin use has been associated with weight gain but the reasons aren’t clear — and the benefits of statins far outweigh the risks

Oversized medical chart, glucose meter, pill bottle, with a normal-sized healthcare provider giving thumbs up
August 14, 2024/Heart Health
What’s the Connection Between Statins and Diabetes?

Some statins have been shown to slightly increase your risk of diabetes — but that shouldn’t keep you from taking the medication you need

Person in dentist chair receiving an exam from dentist, oversized heart nearby
August 12, 2024/Heart Health
Are Gum Disease and Heart Disease Connected?

Research points to an association between the health of your gums and cardiovascular disease

Female feeling breast
August 12, 2024/Women's Health
Here’s How You Can Get Mastitis Without Breastfeeding

Bacterial infections, breast abscesses and clogged milk ducts can all cause inflammation in your breasts

Couple snuggling on couch watching a love scene on television
August 7, 2024/Sex & Relationships
Never Had an Orgasm? What You Should Know About the ‘Big O’

Anorgasmia is a fairly common concern with a wide range of physical and psychological causes

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad