A long term (chronic) condition of fat and connective tissue which builds up in your legs, hips, bottom and sometimes arms. It affects both sides of the body equally. More common in women. People with lipoedema usually have a small waist, but large hips and thighs. Symptoms can include: enlargement of your legs, and in some cases arms, but usually not your feet or hands. The exact cause of lipoedema isn’t known but it may be caused by changes in your hormones. It’s not caused by being overweight. Lipoedema can run in families.
