Lipedema Or Just Fat Legs | Are You Overweight, Obese Or Have Lipedema?

A few years ago, the term “lipedema” was barely known in the medical community however many people get confused about lipedema or just fat legs. It has become a fashionable diagnosis. Because mass media such as television and the Internet have adopted this diagnosis and published highly sensational reports about it.

Some women have very thick legs, so they ask whether it’s lipedema or just fat legs. But have no complaints and became surprised by the diagnosis of lipedema.

Let’s solve the queries related to lipedema or just fat legs typically in this article.

What is Lipedema?

The term “lipedema” is misleading because it is not edema, i.e., the accumulation of fluid in tissues. Lipedema normally is a genetically determined disorder of adipose tissue mass and distribution that has been commonly reported for many years. Thin torso and waist – usually after puberty or sometimes only after pregnancy – disproportionate. And also symmetrical deposition of adipose tissue develops in the buttocks and thighs. As well as in the legs (about 97%) or arms (about 97%), approximately 30%.

Exclusively, it is unclear whether this is due to adipocyte hypertrophy, hyperplasia, or a combination of the two. Tissues are mainly sensitive to pressure and hematomas can develop with even the smallest injuries.

Because this is not primarily an increase in volume due to body fluids, the swelling and the hypertrophy process are usually irreversible. Or does not improve at night or by elevating the limb.

In simple lipedema, the color of the skin typically does not change. Erythema and hyperpigmentation occur only with complications. Such as stasis dermatitis or chronic functional venous insufficiency extremely with obesity.

Also, pure lipedema particularly is not a common consequence of obesity, such as hypertension, metabolic disorders, or diabetes. Therefore, lipo edematous adipose tissue harbors different types of adipocytes and altered receptors. Obesity, however, is also seen in approximately 50% of patients.

Signs & Symptoms of Lipedema

Whether it’s lipedema or just fat legs, you should need to have a look over the signs of lipedema. There are several symptoms entirely associated with this condition, which may not occur in all sufferers. However, according to recent studies, the following are the most common symptoms.

• Hypersensitivity largely to touching, pressing, or feeling the affected area
• Loss of skin elasticity or mobility
• Pain in certain areas normally  when touching or walking
• General fatigue
• Knee problems
• Severe swelling

As mentioned above, lipedema usually is a progressive disease that develops as the patient ages. Merely, this condition worsens over time, ranging from minor aches and pains to significant discomfort, heaviness, and numbness. These symptoms can even change a person’s life, mainly reducing mobility and affecting self-esteem and overall image.

Types of Lipedema

Likely, the lipedema type refers to the area of ​​the body affected by the disease, however, they are:

Type I:

Firstly, a type in which subcutaneous fat mostly in the thighs and buttocks increase and even becomebecomesnoticeable.

Type II:

Increased lipedema and a layer of fat largely around the knees and pelvis.

Type III:

Thirdly, lipedema has already spread extremely from the knee to the ankle.

Type IV:

Now, lipedema affects the hands, all legs, and even wrists.

Type V:

Lastly, lipedema is common in the calves.

Stages of lipedema

Stage 1:

Habitually, the patient’s skin surface is even and smooth and even the subcutaneous fat layer boosts. At this level of lipedema, notably, patients may experience mild pain and even a burning sensation.

Stage 2:

Here in this stage, the patient has an uneven skin surface and uneven nodules in the fat structure, merely resulting in dimples on the legs. Verily, at this level of lipedema, there is a large accumulation of fat.

Stage 3:

Entirely, the patient’s fat forms enormous lobes, mainly around the hips and knees. Regardless, these layers of skin and fat spread from the limbs, truly causing the person to lose balance and mobility, often causing inflammation, 

Stage 4:

Virtually, in severe lipoedema, the patient’s tissue yet becomes abnormally enlarged and displaced.

Lipedema or Just Fat Legs

Are you overweight, obese or have lipedema \ lipedema or just fat legs? Women who struggle with being overweight may not know that they have a condition chiefly similar to obesity called dyslipidaemia. Though, Lipedema is rare in men but more common in women. The disease affects millions of women, but many of them are misdiagnosed and importantly require lifestyle changes.

Obesity vs Lipedema

Obesity and lipomas however share the same genetic characteristics and affect the lymphatic system as weight increases. Generally, the main difference between the two is that proper diet and exercise can surely treat true obesity. While fat accumulation due to lipedema is not affected by these factors and only continues to worsen.

Lipedema Overweight women and secondly, women with lipedema predominantly have a common problem. Both problems however cause the accumulation of excess adipose tissue, but how and where it occurs can be very different. Principally, the first signs of lipedema begin in women. Who typically pay less attention to the middle part of the fat on the legs or thighs. Secondly, lipedema is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the hips, legs, thighs, and buttocks.

In rare cases, some women primarily also have symptoms of lipedema in the upper arms. Nevertheless, the fat itself is different. Honestly, fat deposits associted with being overweight are slippery with a rubbery texture.  Unlike, lipedema Fat may be marbled, lumpy, or feel like tiny pearls.

Overweight but in shape

Eventually, the key difference is that regular exercise and a healthy diet can treat obesity, whereas these two can’t deal with lipedema. Predominantly, the target areas where women begin to notice fat accumulation. Unusually the lower limbs are not affected by caloric restriction or regular exercise. Truly, because women in the early stages of lipedema are overweight but healthy.

Ultimately, they become frustrated that what they are doing is not working. Consequently, this can lead to depression or a lack of interest simply in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.