Why am I not losing weight - do I perhaps suffer from lipoedema?

Many women have already tried various diets, exercise regularly and still see no change in their weight. Many therefore ask themselves: „Why am I not losing weight?“. The reason for this may be a pathological fat distribution disorder - also known as lipoedema. In this case, it is often the case that women only lose weight in certain areas of the body, but the legs and the area around the hips in particular remain very plump. This article explains what lipoedema is, why those affected find it so difficult to lose weight and what can be done in such cases.

Why is it so difficult to lose weight with a fat distribution disorder?

Lipoedema is a fat distribution disorder in which the fatty tissue becomes diseased. Those affected can therefore lose weight on any part of the body, but not or only with great difficulty where the lipoedema spreads. There is no influence on the diseased fat cells. Neither sport nor a healthy diet can combat the disease, as lipoedema involves altered fat cells compared to the rest of the body.

What are the typical signs of lipoedema?

Depending on the stage, lipoedema manifests itself through different symptoms. In most cases, the legs become increasingly heavy, painful and sensitive to pressure. This pain occurs even at night when the legs are raised. In addition, they often swell during the day and during activity. The tissue hardens. Over time, the skin becomes coarse and the subcutaneous fatty tissue becomes lumpy and severe cellulite can be recognised. If lipoedema is not treated for a long time, severe dents can form in the skin.
Spider veins and bruising for no reason are also common. The fat deposits usually occur on the legs and sometimes also on the arms, but end above the ankles and wrists. The legs are often permanently cold and appear asymmetrical after a while. If you want to lose weight despite lipoedema, you will notice that the fat in the affected areas does not disappear. The body usually looks very disproportionate - the legs do not visually match the upper body. Lipoedema can therefore affect even slim women and has nothing to do with being overweight.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your GP immediately. They can refer you to a lipoedema specialist - a plastic surgeon, a phlebologist (vein specialist), a vascular specialist or a lymphologist. There, a differentiated diagnosis will be made and those affected will be given tips and options on how to combat lipoedema.

What are the causes of lipoedema?

Research into lipoedema is still in its infancy. Scientists and doctors are not yet 100 % sure of the causes behind the fat distribution disorder. However, there are theories that suggest two possible causes of lipoedema.
First of all, it is noticeable that women undergoing hormonal changes are particularly affected by lipoedema. The disease is therefore favoured by an altered hormonal balance in any case. This is why there is an increased risk of developing lipoedema at the beginning of puberty, during or after pregnancy or at the start of the menopause. Certain medications, such as the contraceptive pill, can also be responsible. It is assumed that it is an excess of the female hormone oestrogen that causes or exacerbates the fat distribution disorder.
Genetic factors are also considered to be a cause of lipoedema. The condition can be inherited and although it only affects women, it can be passed on to offspring by both women and men.
One supposed cause, which has nothing to do with lipoedema, is obesity. Losing weight despite lipoedema is very difficult for those affected. In most cases, no change in diet and no sports programme will help. Nevertheless, people are encouraged to exercise and eat healthily, especially if they have a fat distribution disorder. Although it is difficult to lose weight with lipoedema, you are doing something good for your lymphatic system, which suffers from the condition anyway.

What can I do to lose weight?

A high insulin level has a negative effect on the formation of oedema. Experts therefore recommend an isoglycaemic diet. In order to avoid blood sugar and insulin spikes, sufficient breaks should be taken between meals. It is also important that those affected adjust their protein intake to the requirements of their muscle mass. After all, trying to lose weight despite lipoedema should not impair muscle mass. In such a special case, it therefore makes sense to consult a nutritionist or undergo special nutritional therapy.
If the lipoedema is at an advanced stage, it is important to find a suitable type of sport. If you are quite heavy, you will find it difficult to make many movements. In some cases, sporting activities are hardly possible. In addition, the joints often suffer from the weight if you want to lose weight with lipoedema. For this reason, water sports are beneficial for losing weight despite lipoedema. From classic swimming to cycling in the water (aqua cycling) to aerobics in the water (aquarobics), everything is possible. Water sports are so good for lipoedema because the joints are less strained and the water has a positive effect on any oedema.

Does liposuction help?

Many sufferers want to lose weight despite having lipoedema, but have little success. They usually lose weight on their upper body and are basically slim, but the fat deposits in the affected areas remain. In this case, only liposuction, also known as liposuction, can help. Liposuction is the only way to combat lipoedema effectively and sustainably. Liposuction removes the abnormal fatty tissue, preventing it from spreading further. Afterwards, it is often possible for those affected to finally lose weight in the areas of the body that previously suffered from lipoedema. Liposuction helps lipoedema patients regain a proportional and aesthetic body shape.

Conclusion - losing weight with lipoedema

Losing weight despite lipoedema is very difficult. Those affected by lipoedema usually find it very difficult to lose weight. In addition, the fat distribution disorder is sometimes accompanied by severe pain, which is not alleviated even by reducing weight through dieting and exercise. Liposuction is therefore the only effective way to completely get rid of lipoedema. All other methods merely help to alleviate the symptoms a little. Once the abnormal fatty tissue has been removed by liposuction, nothing stands in the way of the desire to lose weight.

We will be happy to create a customised treatment plan for you, taking your needs and medical conditions into account. Find out more about the treatment of your lipoedema. You can find our contact details here.

Your LIPOhelp® team