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Lipoedema – Is an abnormal deposition of adipose fat that almost exclusively affects women.

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It is a symmetrical distribution of fat mainly in the hips, buttocks and legs but can also be in the arms. This adipose fat is different to 'normal' fat and can be nodular to the touch and painful. It is much harder to lose this fat and women often report they struggle to lose weight in the affected area, no matter how hard they try.​​

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Stages of Lipoedema

There are four stages of lipoedema, with stage 1 being the mildest and stage 4 the most severe. Stages relate to changes and appearance of the skin and tissues. The stages do not always describe or account for the severity of lipoedema symptoms, such as heaviness and pain in those affected areas, or the impact lipoedema has on daily life.

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Stage 1

Skin appears smooth. On palpation, the thickened subcutaneous tissue may contain small nodules.

Stage 2

Skin has an irregular texture that resembles the skin of an orange (‘peau d’orange’) or a mattress. Subcutaneous nodules occur that vary from the size of a walnut to that of an apple in size.

Stage 3

The indurations are larger and more prominent than in stage 2. Deformed lobular fat deposits form, especially around the thighs and knees, and may cause considerable distortion of limb profile.

Stage 4

Lipoedema with secondary lymphoedema.

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Wondering if you might have lipoedema? Take the quiz to find out. Click the quiz button below.

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