What Does Lipedema Look Like? | Typical Physical Features

Lipedema is an often misdiagnosed condition, meaning getting an official Lipedema diagnosis is increasingly difficult to come by as it’s confused with obesity or Lymphedema by healthcare professionals.

Understanding what Lipedema looks like can help in early detection, diagnosis and proper management. But what are the physical characteristics of Lipedema to look out for?

Recognising Lipedema

Lipedema primarily affects the lower body, including the legs, hips, bum and sometimes the arms. Some women also believe Lipedema can manifest in the abdomen area. Here are some distinguishing Lipedema symptoms and features:

Symmetrical Appearance

Lipedema typically presents with symmetrical swelling in the legs or arms. Lipedema, unlike Lymphedema, which often affects one limb, usually affects both sides of the body more equally.

Disproportionate Fat Distribution

Women with Lipedema usually have a disproportionate accumulation of fat in the lower half of the body, especially in Lipedema stage 1 and 2 of the condition. The upper body, including the waist and chest, remains relatively slim in comparison.

Column-Like Legs

One of the hallmark signs of Lipedema is the column-like appearance of the legs. The legs may appear thick and straight, with a lack of definition causing typical Lipedema knees, then stopping abruptly at the ankles, creating a cuff-like appearance.

Skin Texture and Feel

The skin over Lipedema-affected areas can feel soft and doughy. It might also be tender and painful to touch. Susceptibility to Lipedema bruising and the presence of small nodules under the skin are also common symptoms. For a practical way to assess these symptoms, try the Lipedema pinch test, which helps identify abnormal fat buildup and tissue sensitivity.

Stages of Lipedema

Lipedema progresses through various stages, each with distinct visual characteristics:

Stage 1

In Lipedema stage 1, the skin appears relatively smooth, but there’s an obvious increase in fatty tissue in the lower extremities. The affected areas may feel tender and there might be minor, unexplained bruising.

Stage 2

During Lipedema stage 2, the skin’s surface becomes uneven and starts to develop a more dimpled, ‘cottage cheese’ like appearance. Nodules and lumps become more noticeable. The anatomical shape of the leg also becomes less apparent, with a straighter, ‘trunk-like’ shape from top to bottom.

Stage 3

Lipedema stage 3 is characterised by larger, hardened lumps of fatty tissue with increasingly uneven skin. These fat deposits, called lipomas, can form over the knees, at the sides of the hips and around the ankles, further distorting the shape of the legs.

Stage 4

This advanced stage may include symptoms of Lymphedema (known as Lipo-Lymphedema), where significant swelling occurs due to lymphatic fluid build-up. The skin becomes increasingly thickened and fibrotic.

Differences from Other Conditions

Unfortunately even though Lipedema is common, there is a severe lack of awareness, and Lipedema is frequently mistaken for other conditions like obesity or Lymphedema. Here’s how to differentiate:

Lipedema vs. Obesity

• Distribution: Lipedema fat is mainly in the lower body, especially in the early stages, whereas obesity-related fat is more evenly distributed.
• Pain and Bruising: Lipedema is often painful and bruises easily, which is not typical in simple obesity.
• Difficult to Lose: Lipedema fat is notoriously difficult to lose through conventional diet and exercise methods, whereas obesity related fat responds better.

Lipedema vs. Lymphedema

• Symmetry: Lipedema affects both limbs symmetrically; Lymphedema usually affects one limb.
• Skin Texture: Lymphedema causes thicker, more fibrotic skin changes compared to the softer texture of Lipedema-affected skin.

So, what does Lipedema look like?

Recognising what Lipedema looks like is the first step towards early diagnosis and consequent management via conservative measures to avoid Lipedema progression. From the symmetrical swelling and column-like shape, to the specific skin texture and stages of progression, understanding all the signs can help women identify Lipedema early.

This is something I feel so passionate about, I wish someone had made me aware of Lipedema in my teens when my Lipedema journey began so I could have managed the symptoms and avoided Lipedema Reduction Surgery. Hopefully in the coming years due the huge explosion of Lipedema awareness that is taking place, young women with Lipedema will have access to the specific support they need!

Do you suspect you suffer from Lipedema? Which signs and symptoms resonate with you and your body? Let me know in the comments, and my inbox is always open too. Send me an email anytime on

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Disclaimer: My blogs talk about Lipedema, diet, surgery and much more. I’m talking from my point of view to help women, and remind them they are not alone. I am not a medical professional, so the content above is from my own perspective with research I have done into the topic. It’s not meant as medical advice, you should always consult your doctor or a specialist for both your diagnosis, and a treatment plan.

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• 11 Celebs with Lipedema
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• Lipedema Pinch Test

Sophie

Sophie is the founder of Lipedema and Me and Find a Surgeon. A fellow Lipedema sufferer based in the UK, she’s experienced first-hand the challenges of getting diagnosed and accessing surgery. Today, her mission is to support other women with Lipedema – raising awareness, sharing resources, and helping others feel less alone on their journey.