Obesity-related chronic lymphoedema-like swelling and physical function

Area of Science:

• Obesity research
• Clinical medicine
• Physiology

Background:

• Severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²) is associated with an 85% increased mortality risk.
• Poor physical function may contribute to excess mortality in this population.
• Lymphoedema-like swelling in the legs is observed in severely obese individuals, even with normal lymphoscintigraphy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between lymphoedema-like swelling and physical function in severely obese individuals.
• To determine if leg swelling impacts physical performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 330 severely obese participants (BMI 51.7 ± 8.4 kg/m²).
• Assessment of lower leg lymphoedema-like swelling and circumference.
• Measurement of time to complete a 50-step test and a 500m walk.

Main Results:

• Approximately one-third (33%) of participants had lymphoedema-like swelling.
• Individuals with swelling showed larger lower leg circumference (35.0 vs. 32.4 cm).
• Participants with swelling had slower step (0.40 vs. 0.43 steps/s) and walking speeds (0.97 vs. 1.08 m/s).

Conclusions:

• Lymphoedema-like swelling is prevalent in one-third of severely obese individuals.
• This swelling is significantly associated with poorer physical function, independent of BMI.
• Obesity-related chronic lymphoedema-like swelling warrants interventions to improve physical function.