Do I have lipedema? (Photo)

Question

I am 35, have always had a small upper body and large lower half. EIhave maintained a healthy weight throughout my life except after my 4th baby I have been unable to lose most of the weight despite strength training 5x a week and a low carb diet. Even when I was a size 4 my thighs were flabby and calves very stocky.

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Exuberant thank you for sharing your photos.  From your photos, your legs are much larger than your abdomen / waist. This is one sign of lipedema. However, there are multiple criteria for lipedema. They include heavy, swollen, and tender tissue.  The presence of fibrotic nodules and other sign on physical exam.  It would be irresponsible to diagnose lipedema with the current information or without a physical exam. Although there are many online that will speculate about it. I recommend you consult in person with a physician who is an expert in diagnosing lipedema.  Please know that while there is no cure for lipedema it can be effectively managed with a healthy diet like you are following plus compression and exercise. If you do have lipedema lipedema reduction surgery can be helpful in addition to the lifestyle management. Wishing you the best of health.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Does your fatty areas hurt when you pinch them?  Do you bruise easily in the fatty areas? If so, you most likely do have lipedema. This may be reduced with aerobic exercise (which increases lymphatic fluid mobilization and drainage) or surgically with liposuction.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, a diagnosis of lipedema requires a more detailed evaluation. Check out the link below for more information.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Would you describe is simply your personal fat distribution and not having lipidema. there is no test for liberty amount but it’s a condition where the extremities continuously get larger despite not gaining weight. it is worsened by weight fluctuations and does not respond to actual weight loss.
Obesity is primarily related to eating. Exercise is a great idea but those who are successful with weight loss generally do it by gradually reducing caloric intake.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Do I have lipedema? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Having lipedema

Answer: Having lipedema

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipedema Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Do I have lipedema? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Having lipedema

Answer: Having lipedema

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipedema Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.