Lipalgia/Lipoedema is an adipose tissue disorder causing bilateral symmetrical enlargement of the lower, and in some cases the upper, extremity in women leading to significant disproportion of the waist to hip ratio. Affecting mainly women, Lipalgia/Lipoedema is commonly misunderstood and sadly rarely recognised, leading to misdiagnosis in primary care.

Resources and links

National charity: Lipoedema UK’s advice sheet

National charity: Lipoedema UK’s service user feedback and recommendations for self-management

National charity: Lipoedema UK’s GP and Health Care Professional free education resource

Biomarker for lipoedema

The British Lymphology Society have published this new Lipoedema fact sheet (June 2021) to help those with lipoedema and those who provide services. This is based upon a 2020 European consensus document and newer research

2020 JWC Lipoedema Consensus 

2017 Lipoedema - UK Best Practice Guidelines

Interventional Procedures Report (IPR721) regarding the safe use of liposuction for lipoedema

International Lipoedema Association (ILA) research launched

The Lipoedema Registry website link is https://www.lipedema.org/registry

Links: www.lipoedema.co.uk and www.talklipoedema.org

Lipoedema patient talking about her experience

Differential diagnosis: lipoedema, lymphoedema and obesity

Wounds UK (2017) Best Practice Guidelines: the management of lipoedema, London www.wounds-uk.com

Lipoedema Staging

Wounds UK (2017) Best Practice Guidelines: the management of lipoedema, London www.wounds-uk.com