Health-related quality of life among lipedema patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesLipedema is a chronic condition that predominantly affects women, leading to painful, disproportionate fat distribution in the limbs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to characterize health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across multiple domains in individuals with lipedema.MethodsWe systematically reviewed studies from inception to 3 July 2025 in MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) that primarily assessed HRQoL in individuals with lipedema. Data were extracted from studies using HRQoL assessment scales. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. The review protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024590792). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to compute pooled mean HRQoL scores across various domains.ResultsFourteen cross-sectional studies involving nine countries and 3851 participants were included. The meta-analysis found significant impairments in multiple HRQoL domains: physical functioning (61.19, 95% CI: 56.77-65.60), pain (51.77, 95% CI: 45.01-58.53), social functioning (63.24, 95% CI: 58.44-68.04), emotional well-being (64.19, 95% CI: 59.86-68.52), and energy/fatigue (43.50, 95% CI: 39.32-47.68).ConclusionLipedema significantly affects HRQoL, with major deficits in physical, emotional, and social functioning. These findings highlight the need for greater clinical awareness and comprehensive management strategies, including both physical and psychological interventions, to improve the quality of life for individuals with lipedema. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and optimize treatment approaches.