11/06/2025
June is Lipoedema Awareness Month
What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic and progressive disorder that is characterised by the abnormal accumulation of adipose (fat) tissue primarily in the legs but can also affect the buttocks and arms.
Lipoedema is not caused by being overweight. Obesity is a different condition. You can be a healthy weight and still have lipoedema. Diet and exercise, although important for a healthy lifestyle, have no impact on lipoedema.
Who gets lipoedema?
Lipoedema almost exclusively affects women and tends to worsen during times of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. It is estimated that lipoedema is impacting 11% of women worldwide of all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities.
For some women, the disease progresses quickly and severely. For others, the only symptom is a minor increase in fat just underneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) that remains stable for many years.
Symptoms of Lipoedema:
• Disproportionate fat growth in legs, buttocks and/or arms compared to hip-to-waist ratio
• Presents symmetrically, involving both sides of the body, i.e. both legs
• Affected areas can be hypersensitive to touch, bruise easily and often feel cold to the touch
• Sensation of heaviness, achiness, discomfort and/or fatigue in affected areas
• Appearance of lumpy, nodular, dimpled or mattress-like texture in affected areas
• Pain and discomfort in hot weather
• Reduced hair growth on affected areas
• Hands and feet are generally unaffected, though a ‘cuffing’ or ‘bracelet’ effect may be seen at the ankles and wrists
Management of Lipoedema:
There is no cure for lipoedema, but it can be managed to prevent it from getting worse. Self-management strategies include:
• Compression therapy – compression garments help reduce pain, improve movement and decrease fluid build-up
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage – a very specific massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to reduce swelling and pain
• Skin care - keeping affected skin clean, moisturised and dry is important for reducing the risk of inflammation and injury
• Physical activity – low impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, rebounding and walking improve mobility and circulation
• Eating well — a balanced heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory diet is important for weight management and overall health
• Mental and emotional wellness — living with a chronic condition can be emotionally challenging, support groups may be helpful
Where do I find more information on lipoedema?
Lipoedema Australia is our national representative body for lipoedema and has information on what lipoedema is, what it looks like, history of lipoedema, research, treatment, resources, FAQs, news, blogs, events, information for medical professionals and a checklist of common symptoms to take to the doctor.
Call Carolyn Saunders Massage Therapist on 0409 539 615 to assist with your lipoedema management.
Picture courtesy of Lipoedema Australia 🙂
