Recognising and treating lipoedema

Knowledge base — Lipoedema

What is lipoedema?

Lipoedema is described in the medical literature as a chronic condition in which fatty tissue accumulates in an abnormal, often symmetrical way within the subcutaneous connective tissue — usually in the legs, hips, buttocks and sometimes the arms. The feet and hands are typically spared. According to the literature, lipoedema occurs predominantly in women and is associated with hormonal and hereditary factors, and it is described as something that stands apart from lifestyle or willpower.

Pain and tenderness can occur with lipoedema. The condition cannot be established through a massage consultation. Have symptoms assessed by your doctor or specialist.

Important: lipoedema is a medical diagnosis. The information on this page is general and intended to help you recognise the picture; it is not a substitute for medical advice. A diagnosis is always made by a doctor or dermatologist. For more depth on fluid retention, you can also consult our page on lymphoedema and oedema.

Recognising it

Symptoms and stages

Lipoedema can present slightly differently in each person, but the literature describes several characteristic signs. If you recognise more than one of the points below, discuss this with a doctor — we do not make diagnoses ourselves, and this information does not replace medical advice.

✓Often symmetrical swelling of the legs (and sometimes arms), while the feet and hands remain slim
✓A possible disproportion between the lower and upper body
✓Tenderness, a heavy sensation or pain in the affected tissue
✓Bruising more easily without an obvious cause
✓Fat that often responds little or not at all to diets or exercise

The severity of lipoedema is often described in the literature in three stages. This classification is meant as a rough orientation and does not replace a medical assessment:

1

Stage 1

The skin surface is usually still smooth, but on touch the subcutaneous tissue may feel thickened or granular.

2

Stage 2

The skin may become more uneven with dimples and small lumps; the relief sometimes becomes visible at the surface.

3

Stage 3

Larger lobes of fat and hardened skin may develop, more clearly changing the shape of the leg.

The stage says something about the structure of the tissue, but not everything about how many complaints a person experiences. Always leave the assessment and diagnosis to a doctor or dermatologist.

Distinguishing it

Difference from obesity and lymphoedema

Lipoedema is sometimes confused with excess weight or with lymphoedema, while the literature describes these as different conditions. The comparison below is a general explanation and not a diagnostic tool; only a doctor can establish what is going on in your case.

Lipoedema vs. obesity

In obesity, the literature describes fat as accumulating more evenly across the body and responding better to weight loss. Lipoedema fat, by contrast, is described as more often sitting symmetrically in specific areas, being tender to pressure and remaining largely unchanged despite weight loss.

Lipoedema vs. lymphoedema

Lipoedema is described in the literature as a fatty tissue theme; lymphoedema as a fluid problem because the lymphatic system drains insufficiently. The two can occur together (lipo-lymphoedema). Read more on our page about lymphoedema and oedema.

A doctor can assess the cause of your symptoms. The Bodyreading does not establish a diagnosis, stage, adhesions or state of lymph drainage. Read more: BodyFix Method, treatments.

A conservative approach

Non-surgical treatment

Lipoedema is described as a chronic condition; according to the literature there is no known treatment that makes it disappear completely. The literature describes the usual first choice as a conservative, non-surgical approach aimed at relieving complaints and supporting the course of the condition as well as possible. This approach typically consists of a combination of elements.

✓Manual lymphatic drainage, aimed at supporting fluid drainage
✓Compression therapy, such as support stockings, prescribed by a doctor or skin therapist
✓Movement and a healthy lifestyle as supporting measures
✓Manual treatment of the connective tissue, focused on adhesions and tenderness

Which elements are suitable for you, and in what order, belongs with your treating doctor or skin therapist; this page does not replace that advice. Also read our explanation of lymphatic drainage in Amsterdam for more background on this element.

The BodyFix Method

What BodyFix does

We have no evidence that the Bodyfix Method treats lipoedema, removes fat or slows its course. Discuss the suitability of any massage for comfort with your treating clinician.

During a Bodyreading you discuss your wishes, comfort and relevant medical advice. It is not a medical examination or care plan for lipoedema.

Do you have (suspected) lipoedema? Always discuss this first with your GP or dermatologist. Our treatment is a possible supportive element alongside — not instead of — medical care, and it does not replace medical advice. You can also read our frequently asked questions.

Sources and medical background

NHS: Lipoedema

These sources provide general information; they do not establish the effectiveness of the Bodyfix Method. Checked on 10 September 2026.