The main cause of the development and severity of lipedema disease lies on both the genetic predisposition and in hormonal changes (spontaneous or iatrogenic), which may stimulate relapse.

Many patients rightly ask themselves:

  • What is the scope of the change?
  • What happens under my skin?
  • Why do fat distribution and dysfunction appear on my body?

 

In order to answer these questions, we have to look into the depths: the area between the fat cells under the skin and the lymphatic vessels. It is also important to analyse the relationship between these structures.

In women with lipedema, the production of lymphatic fluid is increased and at the same time the ability of lymphatic vessels to be removed is reduced. The increased production has mainly to do with the permeability of blood vessels; due to this genetic sensitivity, bruises appear more quickly on the skin. On the other hand, the transportability of the lymphatic vessels is mainly dependent on hormonal changes.

This results to a progressive accumulation of protein-rich fluid between the fat cells. This increased amount of fluid passes over time from the intercellular space into the interior of the fat cells, thus causing the formation of altered “ballooned” fat cells with lymphatic fluid.

These altered cells (lipedema cells) no longer serve as energy stores, but form a volume that hardly reacts to exercise or diet. Furthermore, the body reacts reactively with the production of inflammatory elements such as leukocytes and cytokines, which can cause the chronic discomfort and sensitivities to affected women.

These altered cells (lipedema cells) no longer serve as energy stores, but form a volume that hardly reacts to exercise or diet. Furthermore, the body reacts reactively with the production of inflammatory elements such as leukocytes and cytokines, which can cause the chronic discomfort and sensitivities in affected women.