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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lipedema is a chronic and progressive adipose tissue disorder characterized by the abnormal accumulation of subcutaneous fat, predominantly in the legs and occasionally in the arms. The symptom that most significantly affects the quality of life is pain. Ultrasound elastography is an imaging technology that allows for measuring tissue stiffness quantitatively. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between accompanying pain in patients with lipedema and tissue elasticity measured using shear-wave elastography (SWE). METHODS: Our study was designed as an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain, while the PainDetect questionnaire was utilized to evaluate neuropathic pain. The evaluation of tissue elasticity and fibrosis was conducted using the SWE method. RESULTS: This research assessed thirty-five patients, revealing an average age of 45.2 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 33.6 kg/m². 60% of the patients had a lipedema diagnosis in their family history. Both age (p < 0.01) and BMI (p < 0.001) values were moderately correlated with all subcutaneous adipose tissue measurements, while no correlation was observed in SWE measurements. Only the level of the thigh in the SWE-Elasticity (SWE-E) values was related to VAS (r = 0.35, p = 0.03). Additionally, PainDetect scores demonstrated significant positive correlations with both SWE-velocity (SWE-V) and SWE-E measurements in the thigh region. Specifically, SWE-V showed moderate correlations with PainDetect scores in the right thigh (r = 0.38, p = 0.02) and left thigh (r = 0.47, p = 0.004), while SWE-E was also significantly correlated in both the right (r = 0.44, p = 0.007) and left thighs (r = 0.44, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: While SWE measurements were not correlated with skin adipose tissue, SWE measurements were correlated with pain and neuropathic pain in patients with lipedema. This finding highlights a potentially important relationship between tissue elasticity and pain, which may warrant further exploration. SWE offers a novel, non-invasive approach to quantifying tissue stiffness, providing valuable insights into tissue alterations in women with lipedema.

Lipedema is a lipodystrophic disease characterized primarily by a disproportionate increase in lower body subcutaneous fat. Although moderate weight loss decreases lower body fat mass in women with obesity and lipedema, it is possible that this decrease is due to a reduction in normal subcutaneous fat, rather than lipedema-affected fat. We evaluated the effect of moderate (11%) diet-induced weight loss on body fat mass and distribution, assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging, in a 56-year-old woman with lipedema who was normal weight (body mass index: 23.9 kg/m2) at baseline. Approximately 85% of the decrease in body weight comprised body fat. The relative reduction in upper body fat (abdominal subcutaneous, arm and trunk fat) was similar to the relative reduction in lower body (total leg fat and thigh subcutaneous fat). Accordingly, weight loss did not change the proportion of total body fat comprising leg fat (44.8% and 45.1% before and after weight loss, respectively) or arm fat (9.1% and 9.6% before and after weight loss, respectively). These data suggest weight loss decreases lipedema-affected adipose tissue and demonstrate the therapeutic effect of weight loss on body composition in women with lipedema even if they are normal weight.

Introduction & Objectives Lipedema is a chronic and underdiagnosed adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate lower limb fat distribution, pain, and edema. Despite increasing awareness, diagnostic uncertainty persists due to heterogeneous semiological definitions and limited attention to the patient's subjective experience. Methodology This study aims to explore how patients with lipedema verbally represent their symptoms and bodily sensations, and how these narratives correlate with established semiological criteria. By analyzing spontaneous language, we seek to identify potential linguistic markers that could enhance diagnostic characterization and favor earlier recognition of the condition. We conducted an observational, multicenter qualitative study involving adult women with clinically confirmed lipedema. Semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Lexical and semantic analyses were performed using natural language processing software and manual thematic categorization. Semiological assessment included tissue consistency, pain distribution, symmetry, and evolution. Cross-analysis explored correlations between verbal descriptors (pain, heaviness, swelling, injustice, shame, sensitivity) and clinical stage or subtype. Results Preliminary findings from revealed recurrent lexical fields expressing bodily dysmorphia, hyperalgesia, and emotional distress. Distinct linguistic patterns emerged according to semiological criteria: patients with stage II–III lipedema frequently used affective and metaphorical language (“weight anchored in my legs”), whereas earlier stages emphasized mechanical sensations (“tension,” “tightness”). A strong convergence was observed between the richness of expressive language and subjective pain scales. Discussion Linguistic analysis of patient verbatim provides novel insight into the semiological complexity of lipedema. Integrating qualitative linguistic descriptors into diagnostic frameworks may refine clinical classification and improve therapeutic communication. Conclusion Linguistic analysis of patient verbatim provides novel insight into the semiological complexity of lipedema. Integrating qualitative linguistic descriptors into diagnostic frameworks may refine clinical classification and improve therapeutic communication. These preliminary results suggest that the words patients use may serve as semiological markers supporting a more holistic understanding of lipedema.

BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation, primarily in the lower extremities, affecting mostly women. Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, lipedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. Patients with obesity and lipedema propose a distinct clinical challenge in treating both diseases. Improved recognition and understanding are necessary to enhance diagnosis and treatment outcomes. PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW: Lipedema is thought to be hormonally driven, often manifesting during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. It presents as disproportionate fat accumulation in the lower body, often with microvascular changes. Misdiagnosis as obesity or lymphedema leads to ineffective treatments like weight loss programs and bariatric surgery. Effective management involves both conservative and surgical approaches, as well as a tailored strategy for patients with both lipedema and obesity. The focus of this review is to summarize the current literature addressing adequate treatment regimens for patients with both diseases and based on the literature we propose a treatment protocol. CONCLUSION: Patients with concurrent lipedema and obesity propose a distinct clinical challenge, in which early recognition can benefit adequate treatment. A combination of conservative measures and surgical options, particularly liposuction and/or bariatric and metabolic surgery, can be beneficial in treating patients with both diseases. However future research is needed to assess the effect of different treat regimens.

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate subcutaneous fat accumulation, pain, edema, and resistanc...

Background: The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of a 5-week intensive protocol of multilayer bandaging alone or in combination with diet, applied to the clinical practice of lipedema. Methods: 114 women with lipedema were studied, divided into three groups: 35 women were treated with multilayer bandaging in biweekly sessions for 5 weeks, 48 were treated with the same bandaging protocol combined with an anti-inflammatory diet, and 31 women received no treatment. The effect on anthropometry, lower limb volume, pain caused by the tissue fold, and subjective symptoms were evaluated. Results: Women who completed the 5-week intensive protocol of multilayer bandaging showed a statistically significant reduction in all observed parameters: body weight, waist and hip circumference, lower limb volume, pain, and subjective symptoms. The group of women treated with multilayer bandaging and diet showed a significantly greater reduction in lower limb volume and body weight. The treatments were effective regardless of age, BMI, clinical stage, and the presence of fovea in both groups. The wearing time with the multilayer bandage had a positive correlation in the group treated with bandage in combination with diet. Conclusion: A 5week intensive protocol of multilayer bandaging of the lower limbs is an effective treatment for reducing the symptoms and clinical signs of lipedema at all stages of the disease, even in the absence of edema. Adding nutritional therapy during the bandaging cycle increases the effectiveness of the treatment on the volume of the affected extremities and body weight.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the complex components of pain in lipedema and to evaluate correlations among key pain-related parameters, including intensity, hypersensitivity, catastrophizing, central sensitization, and neuropathic pain.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted between June 2025 and September 2025. Patients aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of lipedema were included. Demographic/clinical characteristics were recorded. Pain intensity, hypersensitivity, pain catastrophizing, central sensitization, and neuropathic pain were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), a 0-3 verbal rating scale, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Central Sensitization Inventory, and the painDETECT questionnaire, respectively.ResultsA total of 85 patients were included in the study. Patients had a median age of 44 years, a median Body Mass Index of 29.24 kg/m2, and most were classified as stage 2 lipedema (50.6%). Pain intensity was moderate, with a median NRS score of 5, while hypersensitivity levels were moderate (41.2%) to high (34.1%) in most patients. Pain catastrophizing, central sensitization, and neuropathic pain were present in 35.1%, 83.5%, and 27.1% of the patients, respectively. Pain intensity was significantly positively correlated with hypersensitivity, pain catastrophizing, central sensitization, and neuropathic pain (p < 0.05). All parameters were significantly correlated with each other (p < 0.05).ConclusionCentral sensitization may be observed in patients with lipedema and is associated with other pain parameters. The findings highlight significant interrelationships among pain intensity, hypersensitivity, pain catastrophizing, and central sensitization. Pain needs to be assessed in detail in patients with lipedema.

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: Lymphedema is a debilitating condition with high morbidity, yet despite advances in management, diagnostic ambiguity and fragmented referr...

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 .

ObjectiveTo evaluate the educational quality, reliability, and transparency of YouTube™ videos on lipoedema, and to examine associations with uploader type and engagement metrics.MethodsOn 15 May 2025 we searched YouTube™ for "lipoedema," screened the first 200 relevance-ranked items, and included videos ≥60 s with intelligible audio. Advertisements, duplicates and soundless videos were excluded. Two independent physicians in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) rated eligible videos using DISCERN, the Global Quality Score (GQS), and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria; disagreements were discussed and original ratings retained for agreement analyses. We recorded upload date, duration, views, likes, comments, channel subscribers, uploader category, and content domain.ResultsWe analyzed 92 YouTube™ lipoedema videos uploaded between 25 February 2015 and 8 January 2025. Uploader mix: vascular surgeons 39.1% (largest) and PM&R physicians 4.3% (smallest); the most common topic was definition + symptoms + management (26.1%). Mean DISCERN totals were 33.47 ± 9.88 and 33.42 ± 8.68 (both poor); mean GQS 2.18 ± 0.82 and 2.43 ± 0.81; only 6.6% were high quality and none scored 5/5. Views correlated strongly with likes and comments (both p < .001), moderately with duration (p < .01), and weakly with subscribers (p < .05). Inter-rater agreement was strong (r = 0.859/0.663/1.000; all p < .001).ConclusionThe overall quality and transparency of YouTube™ lipoedema videos are suboptimal despite substantial engagement. Increasing expert-authored, evidence-based content-particularly from PM&R- and co-produced patient-clinician videos may better align reliability with reach.

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.

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Lipoedema is a chronic, progressive condition characterised by disproportionate fat accumulation in the lower extremities, often misdiagnosed due to symptom overlap with obesity. Weight management is a key component of lipoedema treatment, yet the role of bariatric surgery remains unclear. This systematic review evaluates the impact of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) on lipoedema symptoms, weight loss outcomes, and the need for further interventions. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to January 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting on patients with lipoedema (or equivalent diagnoses) who underwent BMS were included. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for case reports and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) tool for case series. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria (five case reports, two cohort studies), comprising 51 patients. All underwent BMS, primarily sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. One study (n = 31) reported a significant reduction in thigh volume and weight loss comparable to controls. The remaining studies found persistent or worsened lower body disproportionality and no improvement in pain. Postoperative lipoedema diagnoses were common, raising concerns over diagnostic accuracy. Overall weight loss averaged 33.9% total weight loss. Bariatric and metabolic surgery achieves meaningful weight reduction in patients with lipoedema and obesity but does not consistently improve core lipoedema symptoms. Its role remains adjunctive rather than primary. Preoperative identification and documentation of lipoedema features are recommended, with a postoperative plan for adjunct conservative therapies and selective consideration of lymph-sparing liposuction where symptoms persist. Larger prospective studies using standardised definitions and outcome measures are needed to clarify its therapeutic value in this population.