Health Implications of Lipedema: Analysis of Patient Questionnaires and Population-Based Matched Controls

Abstract

We conducted a comparative study involving 39 female patients with lipedema and group-matched controls at a ratio of 1:5. The primary survey tool was the German Health Update (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS) questionnaire, which was developed by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany. The secondary survey tool was the German Pain Questionnaire. The prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.041) and high blood lipids (p = 0.024) was lower in the lipedema group compared to the control group. General health and well-being indicators demonstrated lower overall health ratings (p < 0.001) and higher physiotherapy use in patients with lipedema (p = 0.016). Mental health assessment revealed higher depression prevalence and severity (p = 0.001), together with a lower number of close contacts (p = 0.032). Furthermore, patients with lipedema experienced higher levels of pain (p < 0.001) and more significant pain-related disability in daily activities (p < 0.001) than controls. Correlation analysis among patients with lipedema showed a positive correlation between pain severity and depressive symptoms (ρ = 0.612, p < 0.001) and a moderate positive correlation with impaired health-related quality of life (ρ = 0.418, p = 0.010). In summary, our findings highlight significant differences in health and well-being between patients with lipedema and matched controls, especially in overall, metabolic, and mental health, as well as pain perception. The findings emphasize the need for a validated lipedema-specific questionnaire and a multidisciplinary treatment approach with a combination of physical therapies, lifestyle adjustments, and psychological strategies.