Exploring Lipedema: Understanding Its Symptoms, Stages and Next Steps

Andrea Gnojek
Jun 30, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jul 1, 2024

Welcome, lovely ladies! As June comes to a close, I'm deeply moved by the surge of awareness surrounding lipedema this month. It's been incredible to see so many voices unite to shed light on this often-overlooked condition. From personal stories to informative campaigns, this month has truly shown the power of advocacy and education. If you're curious about lipedema, here's a recap from my posts this month.

1. The Basics of Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution, resulting in disproportionate swelling, particularly in the lower body—hips, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms.

2. Stages of Lipedema

Stage 1:

Appearance: The skin is smooth but the affected areas may be slightly enlarged.

Texture: The fat tissue feels soft, and there may be the presence of small, palpable nodules under the skin.

Symptoms: May experience heaviness, tenderness, and easy bruising in the affected areas.

Stage 2:

Appearance: The skin starts to develop an uneven, dimpled texture.

Texture: The nodules under the skin become more pronounced and can be felt easily.

Symptoms: Increased pain, tenderness, and swelling, especially towards the end of the day or after prolonged periods of standing.

Stage 3:

Appearance: The skin surface becomes increasingly irregular with larger folds and lobules

of fat.

Texture: The nodules may grow larger and the fat tissue becomes harder.

Symptoms: The affected limbs become significantly larger, leading to difficulties in mobility and increased pain.

Stage 4 (Lipo-lymphedema):

Appearance: The condition progresses to involve the lymphatic system. Both Lipedema and lymphedema are present. *Lymphedema can occur at any stage.

Texture: The skin may become thicker and harder due to fibrosis, and there can be large overhanging folds of skin and fat.

Symptoms: Severe pain, extreme heaviness, and substantial limitations in mobility and daily activities. Secondary complications such as skin infections and ulcers can occur.

Each stage reflects a progression in severity and can impact treatment decisions and management plan.

3. Recognizing Lipedema Symptoms

Upper body to lower body disproportion.
Tenderness and easy bruising.
Swelling that worsens with prolonged standing.
Pain and sensitivity in the affected areas.
Lipedema tissue doesn't respond to diet and exercise the same way other fat tissue does.

4. Embracing a Lipedema-Friendly Diet: slowing the progression

Lipedema management starts with removing inflammatory foods and focusing on supportive nutrition. Focus on foods that fight inflammation, such as:

Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, and seeds.
Proteins: Choose from fish, chicken, beef, pork, and dairy if it suits you. Trying a dairy-free period of at least 30 days can help assess its impact on your body.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate berries, leafy greens, and a variety of colorful veggies.

Give this a try:

Grilled chicken breast with a side of sautéed spinach and roasted bell peppers, topped with sliced avocado for healthy fats and flavor.

5. Movement Matters

Incorporate gentle exercise into your routine. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and yoga to help improve circulation and lymphatic flow. I encourage you to add strength training with weights. Start low and gradually increase the weight of your dumbbells as you get stronger. Remember, consistency is key!