Project: How Does Obesity Therapy Affect Lipedema?

Principal Researcher: Manuel Cornely, MD, PhD
Ly.Search GmbH
Cologne, Germany

Co-Principal Researcher: Oliver A. Cornely, MD, PhD
University of Cologne, CECAD – Cluster of Excellence University of Cologne
Cologne, Germany

Bariatric Surgeon: Till Hasenberg, MD, PhD
Helios Medical Center
Niederberg, Germany

Summary

The aim of the project is to explore the effect of conservative and surgical obesity treatment on Lipedema (Lipohyperplasia dolorosa).

Background

Obesity and Lipohyperplasia dolorosa (LiDo) are coincident in more than 70% of patients. Both diseases must be correctly identified and then treated adequately. Treatment of obesity alone does not change LiDo, and treatment of LiDo alone does not structurally change obesity.

Methodology

i) This is an application study. We investigate how conservative and surgical obesity therapy affects the fat distribution disorder on arms and legs and the typical painfulness of Lipohyperplasia dolorosa (LiDo).

ii) Obesity is initially treated conservatively (diets, sports, and behavioral therapy) for 5 months according to S3 guideline "Surgery of obesity and metabolic diseases". The goal is a weight reduction of > 20%. Otherwise, patients are recommended and undergo gastric surgery. The effect of this therapy management on LiDo is recorded after 5, 12 and 24 months.

iii) To quantify the effect of obesity therapy on LiDo, we document weight and Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR); we determine disease stage, extremity circumferences/volume (perimetric scanning that provides a 3-dimensional model of arms/legs); pain perception (VAS scale); and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire). 

Expected outcomes

We expect little or no effect of obesity therapy on LiDo because this congenital fat distribution disorder is not comorbid with obesity.

Practical implementations of results

The results of this research will prove that in the case of coincident obesity and LiDo, only careful diagnosis and consistent therapy of both diseases will lead to a cure. We hope to help end the frequent stigmatization of female patients by correctly diagnosing and treating the diseases.

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