Recognising and treating lipoedema

What lipoedema is, how to recognise it, and the conservative, non-surgical approach — with a clear, supportive role for the BodyFix Method. General information, not a substitute for medical advice.

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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.

What distinguishes lipoedema from ordinary excess weight, according to the literature, is that the affected fat can behave differently: it often responds little to dieting or exercise, it can be tender or painful, and the surrounding connective tissue may develop adhesions. At BodyFix — specialised in connective tissue and fascia techniques since 2008 — we approach lipoedema primarily as a connective tissue theme, looking at the structure and flow of the subcutaneous tissue. This is general information and not a medical assessment.

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:

Stage 1

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

Stage 2

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

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.

Unsure which category your complaints fall into? A doctor can assess this. During a Bodyreading our therapists look at the condition of your connective tissue and its flow — not to make a diagnosis, but to consider whether and how a supportive treatment might fit in. You can read more about our BodyFix Method and our treatments. This information does not replace medical advice.

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

BodyFix has specialised in connective tissue and fascia techniques since 2008 and positions itself as the longest-running specialised connective tissue practice in Amsterdam. We do not treat a disease and we do not cure lipoedema — that is not something we can or do claim. What we offer is manual treatment of the subcutaneous connective tissue with the BodyFix Method, combined with device-assisted lymphatic drainage, which can be considered as a possible supportive element within the broader medical care around your complaints. Some clients experience the treatment as pleasant; experiences and results can differ from person to person and we make no medical promises. This does not replace medical advice.

Every course of treatment starts with a Bodyreading: a thorough analysis of the condition of your connective tissue and your pattern of complaints. On that basis we draw up a personal plan, tailored to what your body can handle. The BodyFix Method was developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula and is carried out by medically trained therapists with a physiotherapy background and 2,500+ hours of training.

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.