Interesting facts about Lipoedema
- Jeanine Mewburn
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Lipoedema is a condition where fat builds up unevenly—usually in the legs and buttocks, and sometimes in the arms or abdomen due to an increase in the number of fat cells in these areas. These cells can grow excessively and be resistant to diet. Lipoedema is not caused by overeating or lack of exercise but by a difference in how the body handles fat. In some cases, lymphoedema (a build-up of lymph fluid) can develop as a secondary condition.
It is common for women with lipoedema to have very flexible, or “hypermobile,” joints—something that can go together with varicose veins. Interestingly, research shows that in people with lipoedema, the lymphatic vessels—the tiny pathways that help drain fluid—can also become stretched, dilated or varicosed, and these vessels may have an increased capacity to remove fluid than usual early on.
The swelling seen in lipoedema may be caused by an impingement of the initial lymphatic vessels due to the fatty deposits. They do not manage any longer to remove efficiently fluid from the tissue. This situation can lead to more inflammation and slower removal of metabolic waste from the body, which is, simply put, the residue from the body producing energy.
Studies have also found that higher amounts of sodium (salt) can build up in the skin and fatty tissue in lipoedema. This sodium attracts more water, which increases fluid around the cells and can trigger inflammation. Over time, this can lead to the swelling and tenderness that many people with lipoedema or lymphoedema experience.
Scientists are now exploring whether this “tissue sodium” could help tell lipoedema apart from lymphoedema. What we know so far is that lipoedema seems to involve enlarged lymphatic vessels, while lymphoedema happens when these same vessels are damaged or do not function properly. It is also worth noting that lipoedema tissue looks and feels different from lymphoedema tissue.
The clinic offers lymphatic drainage massage, compression garment fitting, and Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Pump sessions to promote healthy lymphatic flow and improve blood circulation. These treatments can help support lymph movement, reduce swelling, and enhance overall comfort. Management options for lipoedema and lymphoedema, can be discussed and tailored to your individual needs.
Don’t wait to look after your health or to seek treatment for managing lipoedema or lymphoedema – your health is your true wealth. Call the clinic today.
References
Crescenzi, R., Marton, A., Don, P., Mahany, H. B., Lants, S. K., Wang, P., . . . Titze, J. (2017, December 27). Tissue Sodium Content is Elevated in the Skin and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Women with Lipedema. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22090
Pfister, C., & Dawczynski, H. (2020, March 3). Selenium Deficiency in Lymphedema and Lipedema—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study from a Specialized Clinic. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051211
Ryan, D. (2016, June 27). Can Selenium Supplements Treat Lymphedema? Retrieved October 12, 2025, from Toronto Physiotherapie: https://torontophysiotherapy.ca/selenium-supplements-lymphedema/
I am the author of this blog with the assistance of ChatGPT to proofread and polish.
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