Lipedema vs. Obesity

What is Lipedema? Lipedema is a chronic medical condition primarily impacting women and characterized by a symmetric buildup of adipose tissue (fat) in the legs and arms, often with pain and, at advanced stages, impaired mobility. It is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema, though Lipedema fat is resistant to exercise and diet. The exact prevalence is still unknown, but Lipedema is widespread, affecting millions of adolescent and adult women.

Learn more about lipedema - check out these OTHER Resources

Check out our patient survey

The First Look Report features the findings of the Registry survey from data provided by 521 participants with Lipedema.

Looking for Lipedema
research papers?

Our on-line Legato Library makes it easy to search for Lipedema research by keyword, topics, and more. Find research papers here.

Watch our video

The ‘What is LIpedema?’ video features descriptions about Lipedema symptoms, diagnosis challenges, and related disorders.

Sign up for the Lipedema Foundation Registry

Your participation in our Registry helps support scientific research to improve the life of Lipedema patients. Sign up here.

Check out our photo library

We have a picture gallery with >500 photos of Lipedema at lipedema.smugmug.com

Want to participate in
research studies?

If you wish to learn about clinical research studies that are seeking Lipedema patients, check out our LegWork Clinical Trial Finder.