It is known as lipedema to a chronic type disease, that mostly affects women. This disease has been considered as such since 2018, its complete definition being very recent.
Consists of the accumulation of fat in the extremities, especially in the lower ones, deforming the legs, limiting mobility and affecting the morale and self-esteem of the person who suffers from it.
On some occasions, especially at the beginning of the disease, it can be confused with overweight problems, or even the appearance of cellulite.
But when measures are taken to eliminate obesity, as soon as localized fat remains that does not disappear even with diets, exercises or specific treatments for overweight, it is when you are facing a symptom of lipedema.
This disease does not have a specific time in which it can occur, since the hormonal changes Throughout a woman's life they can affect her development, menopause or pregnancy.
exist three degrees of gravity in this pathology:
- Grade I: This is when the disease is starting, and some hard lumps are already noticeable.
- Grade II: there is a noticeable accumulation of hardened fat and the skin appears uneven.
- Grade III: the adipose tissue is already deformed, the lumps are of different sizes and hardness.
Symptoms and detection
By increasing fat in specific zonesWithout any other symptoms of obesity, it can be one of the main symptoms of lipedema.
Although diets for overweight do not eliminate fat from lipedema, a balanced diet is essential so that the symptoms do not worsen.
Among the things that must be taken care of in a healthy diet is the size and quantity of food that is eaten. In the event that you begin to have extra fat in your body, it is important to take measures to prevent any disease from occurring.
The most common symptoms of lipedema are:
- Localized increase in the extremities of fat that does not disappear with exercises, diets, massages, and others.
- The skin tissue in the affected area hardens.
- A considerable disproportion in terms of the dimensions of the body where this fat is found.
- Swelling and a feeling of numbness in the legs or arms.
- Excessively strong pain when pinching the area.
- Cold feeling, pressure, and / or pain to the touch.
To determine that it really is lipedema, the relevant exams by specialists, taking into account the medical history and the physical and hormonal characteristics of the patient.
Another way to detect this condition is to check how far along you are.
Treatments and nutrition
Among the most reliable and safe operations for this type of problem is the liposuction. There are different methods to apply this treatment such as liposuction with water assisted, tumescent and that which is assisted by vibration or power.
This type of surgical treatment in more advanced cases, so as not to generate major inconveniences for the patient.
There are also treatments that are not as invasive as those in a surgical room, such as compression stockings. These stockings help maintain a more normal life, without so much pain.
They do not eliminate lipedema, but they can prevent localized fat from expanding and growing. But the most important thing is that they serve to relieve pain in the patient's daily activities.
Another of the activities that can be performed to reduce pain and discomfort caused by this condition is to performr lymphatic manual massages for the improvement of circulation in the affected area. The pressure in the area where the fat that produces lipedema is located, helps to better maintain the condition of the skin and to detach the fat stuck in the tissues.
These procedures will not eradicate lipedema, although they help relieve aches and pains that may be suffered.
Refering to nutrition of patients with lipedema, it is not a determining factor for this condition. This factor is not related to food, because it is not any type of obesity.
It has more to do with the hormonal system than with the digestive system. That is why the diet that is maintained has no direct relationship with the production of fat from lipedema.
However, maintaining a balance in what is ingested helps to have better mobility and that the treatments work better.
Stay healthy
The reduction of sugar, saturated and processed foods, as well as the intake of salt promote a healthy life that makes it easier for the disease condition not to worsen.
People who are obese may have greater problems to eliminate this fat from lipedema, as they have to attack other problems first.
When some diet or treatment for obesity is carried out, it can have unsightly results. In many cases, the large volume in the arms or legs is maintained and the rest of the body loses weight due to the diet. If you think you may have Lipedema, take this test now.