Lipidema
A chronic condition causing painful, abnormal fat accumulation mainly in the legs and arms, often mistaken for simple obesity.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Lipidema is a medical condition that causes abnormal fat accumulation, mainly in the legs, hips, and sometimes the arms — often giving a disproportionate appearance where the lower body is much larger than the upper body. It is not simple obesity; the fat is often painful, bruises easily, and does not respond well to diet and exercise alone.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Lipidema is a chronic disorder of adipose tissue characterised by symmetrical, bilateral enlargement of the lower extremities (and sometimes upper extremities) due to abnormal accumulation of subcutaneous fat, sparing the hands and feet. It occurs almost exclusively in women, is hormonally triggered (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), and is associated with pain, easy bruising, and oedema. Unlike lymphoedema, the swelling is non-pitting, and unlike obesity, the fat is resistant to caloric restriction. Prevalence estimates range from 6–11% of the female population.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Lipidema is often misdiagnosed as simple obesity, leaving patients frustrated when diet and exercise fail to reduce the affected areas. At Accord Medical, Dr Joseph Wang provides accurate diagnosis and targeted management — which may include compression therapy, specialised nutrition, and in select cases, liposuction referral.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
