03/30/2026
Lipedema – the mystery illness of women
Lipedema is a genetic disorder that occurs in females in which the body deposits painful, lipid (or fat) cells mostly in the thighs, legs, and buttocks. It can also be found on the arms and shoulders. It affects 1 out of 10 women and is highly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed (often as lymphedema). The only cure is liposuction by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Often, women suffer for decades with weight that will not budge around the hips and legs, but they may find they can lose weight in the belly. Many healthcare providers are unaware of this extremely painful and mobility-limiting disease that only affects women. If you think you have this condition, please consider asking your provider to look into this. Or make a consultation with me.
Here is a link to the Cleveland Clinic for more information: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17175-lipedema