Summary: Lipedema is a female progressive fat disorder, characterized by a symmetrical increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue in the lower extremities with the exception of the waist. The condition is often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed. The etiology is poorly understood. Affects about 11% of all women and may lead to pain and immobility. The pathophysiology may be related to sex hormones and inflammato...

Summary: The purpose of this study is to determine whether surgical treatment of lipedema (stage I, II or III) using liposuction significantly improves leg pain compared to the use of complex decongestive therapy (CDT).

Summary: This observational study will seek to investigate the following questions in women with lipoedema:~pain characteristics, intensity and patterns of pain~the relationships between the characteristics, intensity and patterns of pain and age, ethnicity, location, employment status, levels of anxiety/depression, walking ability, ability to work, relations with other people, impact on sleep and quality ...

Summary: Lipedema is a connective tissue disorder that affects up to 10% of women. It is characterized by painful, swollen subcutaneous tissue and disproportionate fat accumulation (primarily in the lower limbs, however it can spread to the abdomen and arms). Patients are often not aware they are affected by this disease; rather, they think they are just overweight or obese.~Patients with lipedema often fe...

Summary: Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare microdeletion genetic disorder that has a broad phenotype including many endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Dr. Pober and colleagues at MGH have reported the following findings in adults with WS: abnormal body composition (excess body fat accumulation with a lipedema phenotype), decreased bone mineral density, abnormal glucose tolerance, and reduced lean mass. ...

Summary: Lipedema is a disorder characterized by massive, bilateral accumulation of fat below the waist and in the legs. Enlargement of the lower extremities is often accompanied by leg pain and accumulation of fluid. Little is known about the functional changes that lead to fat accumulation and pain in women with lipedema. The goals of this project is to conduct a comprehensive characterization of abdomin...