06/23/2026
💜June is Lipedema Awareness Month 💜
June is dedicated to raising awareness about lipedema, a chronic and often misunderstood disorder that causes abnormal fat accumulation, primarily in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes the arms. Lipedema almost exclusively affects women and is frequently mistaken for obesity, lymphedema, or other causes of leg swelling.
It is estimated that up to 11% of women worldwide may be affected by lipedema, though many remain undiagnosed so the percentage is probably underestimated.
The condition is believed to have a genetic and hormonal component and often develops or worsens during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Common Signs and Symptoms
• Symmetrical enlargement of the legs and/or arms
• Painful or tender fatty tissue
• Easy bruising
• Heaviness and fatigue of the limbs
• Swelling that may worsen throughout the day
• Difficulty losing fat in affected areas despite diet and exercise
• Feet and hands are often spared, creating a distinct “cuff” appearance at the ankles or wrists
Lipedema and Venous Disease
Many patients with lipedema also have underlying chronic venous insufficiency or venous reflux, which can contribute to symptoms such as heaviness, aching, swelling, and discomfort. Because these conditions frequently coexist, identifying and treating any underlying venous disease may help improve symptoms and quality of life.
How Providers and Sonographers Can Help
While there is no single ultrasound test that diagnoses lipedema, healthcare providers and vascular sonographers play an important role in recognizing its signs and ruling out other conditions.
Providers and sonographers can:
• Recognize the characteristic distribution of fat and swelling
• Obtain a thorough history, including family history and symptom onset
• Evaluate for venous insufficiency using venous duplex ultrasound
• Assess for lymphedema or other causes of lower extremity swelling
• Identify patients whose symptoms seem disproportionate to their weight or lifestyle
• Refer patients to specialists familiar with lipedema when appropriate
For many patients, validation is the first step. Acknowledging that their symptoms may be related to a medical condition- not simply weight gain- can lead to earlier diagnosis, better management, and improved quality of life.
Although there is currently no cure, treatment options such as compression therapy, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, nutritional support, and specialized lipedema reduction surgery may help manage symptoms and slow progression.
Awareness leads to recognition. Recognition leads to diagnosis. Diagnosis leads to better care. 💜
’sHealth
