This page summarises publicly available NHS information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a long-term condition where fat builds up abnormally in the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms. It mostly affects women and is often confused with obesity or lymphoedema. The affected areas feel painful, bruise easily, and don't respond to diet or exercise in the usual way. There's no cure, but compression garments, specialist lymphatic therapy, and sometimes liposuction can help.
When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP
- You notice fat building up unevenly in your legs, thighs, or arms.
- Your legs feel painful, tender, or bruise easily for no clear reason.
- Your legs feel heavy or swollen and diet or exercise doesn't help.
- You have a family history of lipoedema and new symptoms appear.
- Skin on the affected area becomes red, hot, or painful — this may be cellulitis, which needs urgent treatment.
Self-care information from NHS
- Wear compression garments (prescribed by a specialist) to reduce discomfort and swelling.
- Try low-impact exercise like swimming, cycling, or walking to support circulation.
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet — though be aware lipoedema fat doesn't respond to dieting like normal fat.
- Raise your legs when resting to reduce swelling.
- Moisturise skin daily to reduce the risk of infection (cellulitis).
- Consider specialist manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy if recommended by a healthcare professional.
Common questions
How is lipoedema different from obesity?
Lipoedema fat builds up symmetrically in the legs, thighs, and sometimes arms, and doesn't respond to diet or exercise in the usual way. It's often painful and tender to touch, and feet and hands are usually spared — unlike general obesity.
Is there a cure for lipoedema?
There's no cure, but symptoms can be managed with compression garments, specialist physiotherapy, and in some cases, liposuction performed by surgeons experienced in lipoedema. Early diagnosis helps slow progression.
Does weight loss help lipoedema?
Weight loss reduces any normal excess fat but won't reduce the lipoedema fat itself. Keeping a healthy weight still helps overall mobility and reduces pressure on affected limbs.
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This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation. NorMed organises publicly available NHS information and is not affiliated with the NHS.