Comorbidities with Lipedema: Understanding Related Conditions and Their Impact
If you’re living with lipedema, you already know how challenging this condition can be. The painful swelling, persistent bruising, and stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise are frustrating enough on their own. But many women with lipedema face additional health challenges that seem to go hand-in-hand with this condition.
These companion health issues, called comorbidities, are more common in women with lipedema than in the general population. Understanding these connections is crucial for getting comprehensive care and improving your quality of life. Dr. Wright, a leading lipedema specialist in St. Louis and O’Fallon, Missouri, takes a holistic approach to lipedema diagnosis and treatment, addressing not just the primary condition but the interconnected health challenges that often accompany it.
What the Research Reveals About Lipedema Comorbidities
A landmark study conducted by leading German researchers provides critical insights into the relationship between lipedema and other health conditions. The team analyzed 10 years of published lipedema studies and surveyed over 160 women who underwent multiple lymph-sparing liposuction procedures to manage their lipedema. The goal was to identify the most common comorbidities and examine how surgical treatment impacts both lipedema progression and related conditions.
The findings are clear: the number and severity of comorbidities increase as lipedema advances through its stages. Lipedema is a chronically progressive condition that leads to increasing tissue fibrosis (thickening and hardening of tissue) over time. This makes early lipedema diagnosis absolutely critical for optimal long-term treatment outcomes.
Key Findings: The Most Common Lipedema Comorbidities
Obesity
Obesity emerged as the most common comorbidity, affecting 37.6% of lipedema patients in the study. The research revealed a clear pattern: the higher the lipedema stage, the higher the patient’s body mass index (BMI).
This creates a challenging cycle for many women. Lipedema fat doesn’t respond to traditional weight loss methods, which can lead to frustration and feelings of hopelessness. However, the study brought encouraging news for those considering lipedema treatment in Missouri and beyond.
After undergoing multistage liposuction treatment and a 20-month follow-up period, patients experienced a significant reduction in BMI, with a median percentage reduction of 8.7%. Stage 3 patients saw even greater improvements compared to those with stage 1 and 2 lipedema.
Dr. Wright offers comprehensive support for weight management, including medically supervised programs featuring semaglutide and tirzepatide for appropriate candidates at his O’Fallon and St. Louis locations.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. It appears significantly more frequently in women with lipedema than in other women. This hormone deficiency can disrupt critical bodily functions, including heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism. Hypothyroidism is most prevalent in older women.
The connection between hypothyroidism and lipedema is logical when considering that both conditions impact how the body stores fat and regulates fluid balance. If you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight gain that seems disproportionate to your diet, or sensitivity to cold alongside your lipedema symptoms, it’s worth having your thyroid function evaluated.
Depression
More than 25% of lipedema sufferers experience depression, according to the study findings. This statistic highlights the profound impact that lipedema has on mental health and overall wellbeing.
Living with chronic pain, physical limitations, and body changes can take an enormous emotional toll. Many women report feeling isolated and misunderstood by healthcare providers who dismiss their symptoms as simple obesity. The frustration of trying treatments that don’t work adds to the psychological burden.
The research emphasizes that to reduce psychosocial side effects, patients should be given options for active lipedema management and strategies for accepting the condition and adapting their lifestyle. Dr. Wright recognizes that addressing the emotional aspects of lipedema is just as important as treating the physical symptoms.
Migraines
A diagnosed migraine condition was reported in 23% of study participants, significantly higher than rates in the general population. Even more remarkable is what happened after surgical treatment.
The number of migraine attacks per month was significantly reduced after liposuction. Postoperatively, 67% of patients reported improvements in either the intensity or frequency of their migraine attacks, and 12.5% of all patients experienced no migraines at all after their surgical procedures.
For patients seeking lipedema treatment in St. Louis or O’Fallon who also suffer from chronic migraines, this potential benefit represents another compelling reason to pursue comprehensive care with a lipedema specialist.
Skin Conditions and Dermatoses
About 19% of affected patients reported suffering from lipedema-associated dermatoses requiring treatment before surgical intervention. These skin conditions can include infections, painful changes, and inflammatory issues in affected areas.
The study revealed that in 90% of these patients, an improvement in skin symptoms could be achieved through liposuction. Reducing the volume of diseased fat tissue creates a healthier environment for the skin and underlying structures.
Menstrual Disorders
The research documented a reduction in menstrual disorders after liposuction treatment. Additionally, an improvement in menstrual irregularities was observed during the follow-up period.
This connection highlights the systemic nature of lipedema. It’s not simply a cosmetic concern or localized fat accumulation. It’s a complex condition with hormonal implications that can affect your entire body.
Additional Comorbidity: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
Beyond the conditions identified in the German study, Dr. Wright and other lipedema specialists frequently observe hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) in lipedema patients. This connective tissue disorder can cause:
- Joint hypermobility
- Loose, unstable joints that dislocate easily
- Joint pain and clicking joints
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Skin that bruises easily
- Digestive problems, such as heartburn and constipation
- Dizziness and an increased heart rate after standing up
- Problems with internal organs, such as mitral valve problems or organ prolapse
- Problems with bladder control (urinary incontinence)
Currently, there are no tests to confirm whether someone has hEDS, but Dr. Wright can identify telltale signs during a clinical examination of lipedema patients. The overlap between these conditions isn’t coincidental. They may share underlying genetic or connective tissue factors.
Understanding the Research: Study Details
The groundbreaking German study that revealed these important connections involved real women seeking relief from their lipedema symptoms. Here’s what made this research so valuable:
Study Participants:
- Women who underwent liposuction between 2009 and 2019 at a specialized clinic for lipedema surgery
- 106 patients who completed a total of 298 liposuction procedures (averaging 3 surgeries each)
- All participants received preoperative conservative therapy for at least 6 months before surgery
- Patients completed detailed questionnaires about their clinical history and changes in lipedema-associated symptoms and companion conditions after surgery
Surgical Approach: To protect the delicate lymphatic system, all surgeries were performed using “wet technique” liposuction. The procedures utilized both power-assisted liposuction (PAL) and water-jet-assisted liposuction systems (WAL). These are the same advanced techniques Dr. Wright uses in his St. Louis and O’Fallon practice.
This careful methodology and long-term follow-up make the study’s findings particularly meaningful for women considering lipedema treatment in Missouri and beyond.
The Impact of Surgical Treatment on Overall Health
The research provided robust evidence that surgical lipedema treatment offers benefits far beyond cosmetic improvement. Patients experienced significant improvements across multiple areas of their health and daily life.
Symptom Relief: Surgical therapy was able to improve lipedema-associated symptoms, including pain, tension sensation, bruising, leg circumference, and quality of life. These improvements weren’t minor. They were meaningful changes that affected patients’ ability to function and enjoy life.
Work and Productivity: 58% of patients reported needing fewer or no additional sick days due to lipedema-related symptoms following their last liposuction operation. This improvement in work capacity represents a significant enhancement in quality of life and economic wellbeing.
Intimate Relationships: Quality of sex life improved significantly after liposuction. This finding reflects the comprehensive impact that reducing lipedema symptoms can have on personal relationships and overall wellbeing.
Patient Satisfaction: Perhaps most telling of all: 99% of all patients included in the study would recommend the multistage liposuction approach to other women with lipedema. This overwhelming endorsement speaks to the real-world benefits patients experienced.
Why Early Lipedema Diagnosis Is Critical
The study’s findings emphasize a crucial point: present data show the number and extent of comorbidities increase with advancing stage. As lipedema progresses, the tissue fibrosis becomes more extensive and the health burden grows heavier.
Therefore, an early diagnosis is critical for optimal long-term treatment. The sooner you identify and address lipedema, the better your chances of preventing or minimizing associated conditions and maintaining your quality of life.
Unfortunately, many women go years without a proper diagnosis. They’re often told their symptoms are simply due to weight gain or lack of willpower. This medical dismissal delays appropriate treatment and contributes to the depression and isolation that lipedema patients experience.
Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Lipedema Diagnosis in Missouri
If you’re experiencing symptoms like:
- Symmetrical fat deposits in your legs, thighs, or arms that don’t respond to diet and exercise
- Easy bruising without significant trauma
- Pain, tenderness, or heaviness in affected areas
- A distinct stopping point where the swelling ends (often at the ankles)
- Family history of similar symptoms
- Any of the comorbidities discussed above, alongside unexplained swelling
It’s time to seek evaluation from a lipedema specialist. Dr. Wright’s practice serving O’Fallon, St. Louis, and patients throughout Missouri has extensive experience in recognizing lipedema and differentiating it from simple obesity or lymphedema.
Comprehensive Lipedema Treatment in St. Louis and O’Fallon
Dr. Wright is recognized as a pioneer in the treatment of lipedema and vein disorders. His approach combines cutting-edge surgical techniques with comprehensive patient education and conservative management strategies.
Conservative Management:
- Compression therapy guidance
- Manual lymphatic drainage recommendations
- Exercise and movement strategies designed for lipedema patients
- Nutritional counseling and support
Advanced Surgical Techniques:
- Lymph-sparing lipedema reduction surgery using specialized techniques
- Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) and water-jet-assisted liposuction (WAL)
- Multistage treatment planning for optimal results and safety
- Wet technique to protect lymphatic system integrity
Complementary Treatments:
- Medical weight loss programs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, when appropriate
- Vein disorder treatment for patients with concurrent venous insufficiency
- Aveli technology for cellulite treatment
- Liposuction for breast cancer reconstruction
The Importance of Specialized Care
The study participants received preoperative conservative therapy for at least six months before surgery, and all procedures were performed using techniques specifically designed to protect the lymphatic system. This specialized approach is essential for achieving the positive outcomes documented in the research.
Not all liposuction is the same. Dr. Wright’s expertise in lymph-sparing techniques and his multistage approach allow for comprehensive treatment while minimizing risks and supporting optimal healing between procedures. His involvement with organizations such as the National Lymphedema Network and the AVLS Congress demonstrates his commitment to staying at the forefront of advances in lipedema treatment.
Take the Next Step: Contact Dr. Wright’s Practice
If you suspect you have lipedema, or if you’ve been struggling with diagnosed lipedema and its companion conditions, you don’t have to continue suffering. The research is clear: early detection and comprehensive treatment can alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall quality of life.
Dr. Wright provides accessible, expert care for patients throughout Missouri and the Midwest region from his O’Fallon and St. Louis locations. During your consultation, he will conduct a thorough evaluation, discuss your symptoms and any comorbidities you’re experiencing, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
You deserve care from a provider who understands the complex nature of lipedema, recognizes its related conditions, and has the expertise to help you achieve meaningful improvements. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your lipedema treatment options in Missouri.
Reference:
Ghods M, Georgiou I, Schmidt J, Kruppa P. Disease progression and comorbidities in lipedema patients: A 10-year retrospective analysis. Dermatologic Therapy. 2020;e14534. https://doi.org/10.1111/dtch.14534
[1]Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism’s deficiency of thyroid hormones can disrupt such things as heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism. Hypothyroidism is most prevalent in older women.
Dr. Wright’s practice serves patients seeking lipedema diagnosis and treatment in St. Louis, O’Fallon, and throughout Missouri. With advanced training in lymph-sparing liposuction techniques and a comprehensive approach to patient care, Dr. Wright is committed to helping women with lipedema and related conditions live healthier, more comfortable lives.
