Lipoedema as a Social Problem. A Scoping Review

Monika Czerwińska, Paulina Ostrowska and Rita Hansdorfer-Korzon
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Monika Czerwińska: Department of Physiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
Paulina Ostrowska: Department of Physiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
Rita Hansdorfer-Korzon: Department of Physiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-10

Abstract: (1) Background: Lipoedema is a disease characterized by excessive bilateral and symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous tissue in the lower extremities. It is a poorly understood condition, and low awareness of its existence often leads to incorrect diagnosis Initially, lipoedema was considered to be completely independent of lifestyle Currently, however, more and more cases of the coexistence of lipoedema and obesity are described in the literature as additionally affecting the severity of the disease The aim of the review is to present lipoedema as a social problem. (2) Methods: Materials on lipoedema in the social context were selected from 2018–2021. The PRISMA-Scr checklist was used in the review. (3) Results: Research has shown that more than 3/4 of patients with lipoedema are also overweight or obese. Patients with lipoedema have many comorbidities, and their presence negatively affects the quality of life. The quality of life in patients with lipoedema is lower than in healthy patients. (4) Conclusions: The number of studies available on lipoedema is low. Obesity is common in patients with lipoedema. Mental disorders increase the level of experienced pain. Lipoedema significantly reduces quality of life. A healthy lifestyle in patients with lipoedema could be helpful for prevention of complications and disability.

Keywords: lipoedema; lipedema; obesity; quality of life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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