Lipoedema is an adipose tissue disorder. It causes bilateral symmetrical enlargement of the lower extremities, which can lead to significant distortion of the hip to waist ratio. Lipoedema can also affect the upper extremities, but this is less common. Lipoedema is often diagnosed late (or not at all) and may be confused with obesity or lymphoedema. This course describes the presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of lipoedema in primary care.
This course was developed in partnership with Lipoedema UK and has been endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing.
Lipoedema podcast (September 2014) - Hear Suzanne Evans, a patient and founder of Lipoedema UK, share her story about this painful adipose disorder, which is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphoedema.
Curriculum: Dermatology
CPD Points: 0.5
Time to complete this course: 30 minutes
Date of publication: 15 May 2014
Reviewed and updated: 10 June 2025
Mode: Course
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