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Lipoedema

Overview

Open all pages about Lipoedema

The main symptom of lipoedema is it can make your bottom, thighs, lower legs and sometimes arms look out of proportion with the rest of your body.

Lipoedema cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can help, including diet and exercise, compressing stockings, counselling and liposuction.

The exact cause of lipoedema is not clear. It may be caused by hormone changes and can run in families. It's not caused by being overweight.

Lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in the legs or sometimes the arms. It can be painful and it's important to see a GP if you think you have it.

Page last reviewed: 25/07/2023
Next review due: 25/07/2026