After publicly revealing that she was diagnosed with lipedema, presenter Rafa Brites began to receive criticism on social media, with internet users questioning the veracity of the condition because she is thin. She responded to the messages, explained that she underwent tests and highlighted that the diagnosis was made through medical evaluation.

The repercussion exposed how much misinformation still exists on the subject, especially the mistaken idea that only overweight people can develop the disease. This type of judgment reinforces stigmas and makes it difficult to understand a condition that goes beyond physical appearance.

“Lipedema is a chronic disease of the adipose tissue. The fact that a person loses weight does not mean that the lipedema no longer exists. Symptoms may improve with weight loss, physical activity and adequate monitoring, but this does not mean a cure. It is a condition that requires continuous monitoring”, explains Dr. Heloise Manfrim, plastic surgeon, full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) and the Brazilian Lipedema Association (ABL) and founder and CEO of CELIP (Specialized Center for Lipedema).

Lipedema is not obesity: understand the difference

According to Dr. Heloise Manfrim, confusion between lipedema and obesity is common, but it is important to differentiate. “In obesity, fat distribution is more uniform throughout the body. Lipedema fat is more concentrated on the hips and legs, is painful and can lead to the appearance of nodules”, says the doctor.

She also explains that the type of fat it’s different. “While, in obesity, we have subcutaneous and visceral fat, in lipedema it is only subcutaneous fat, which is located below the skin and is more difficult to lose with healthy habits alone”, he points out. And it’s not uncommon for thin people to have lipedema. “Many patients are thin and yet live with the symptoms of the disease,” he says.

Symptoms and diagnosis of lipedema

The doctor highlights that the symptoms include: symmetric increase in the size of the limbs, mainly the legs and hips, although it also affects the arms; difficulty of lose weightmainly in the lower part of the body; painful sensation to the touch; increased frequency of spontaneous hematomas; and greater tendency to accumulate liquids.

“The diagnosis of lipedema is, above all, clinical, based on detailed medical evaluation, the patient’s history and physical examination, observing characteristics such as pain on palpation, tendency to bruises and disproportion between trunk and limbs”, explains Dr. Heloise Manfrim.

She also explains that tests can help with diagnosis. “Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, can be used in a complementary way to analyze the pattern of adipose tissue, identify structural changes and rule out other conditions, such as lymphedema or venous insufficiency. These resources help confirm the diagnosis and plan the most appropriate treatment for each case”, he states.

Treatment is continuous and involves a multidisciplinary approach

The doctor emphasizes that, although lipedema is chronic and has no cure, today there is a variety of procedures and therapies capable of relieving symptoms and controlling the progression of the disease to prevent the emergence of complications such as scars, infections and lack of mobility.

“The disease is interdisciplinary and its treatment involves, in addition to the plastic surgeon, professionals such as endocrinologists, nutritionists and vascular surgeons. We know that surgical treatment with liposuction can help the patient, but it must always be accompanied by conservative clinical treatment, which is based on four pillars: anti-inflammatory diet, physical activity specific for lipedema, complex physical therapy and specific drug protocols for the disease”, he concludes.

By Maria Claudia Amoroso