Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025

A Revised Method for Inducing Secondary Lymphedema in the Hindlimb of Mice
Published on: November 2, 2019
Lipedema and the Evolution to Lymphedema With the Progression of Obesity
Lívia Maria Pereira de Godoy1, Henrique Jose Pereira de Godoy1, Paula Pereira de Godoy Capeletto2
1General Practice, Clínica Godoy, São José do Rio Preto, BRA.
Aim:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical and clinical systemic lymphedema in patients with lipedema and different body mass index (BMI) values.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of subclinical systemic lymphedema and clinical lymphedema of the lower limbs detected by bioimpedance (InBody S10 device, Seoul, Korea) in 258 women with clinically diagnosed lipedema. The patients were divided into three groups based on BMI: Group I - BMI below 30 kg/m2; Group II - BMI between 30 and 40 kg/m2; and Group III - BMI 40 to 50 kg/m2.
Results:
Fisher's exact test revealed a statistically significant difference between Group I and both Groups II and III (p = 0.0001) regarding the occurrence of lower limb lymphedema.
Conclusion:
Patients with lipedema can develop edema even when their weight is within the standards of normality. However, obesity is an aggravating factor, as the prevalence of lipedema increases progressively with the increase in weight.
Related Concept Videos
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Obesity
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...

