Lipedema and fine arts: From prehistoric times to contemporary art

Lipedema is a chronic disease of subcutaneous tissue located on the extremities, whereas the distal parts are spared. It is almost completely restricted to women. The pathogenesis is poorly understood. Pain is the leading symptom. Patients experience significant impairment of their quality of life. Although underrecognized for decades, lipedema has gained increased interest since the turn of the century. The treatment is complex and includes conservative and surgical methods. We refer to sculptures and carvings in fine art with presentations resembling symptoms of the disease going back to prehistoric Maltese cultures and the land of Punt. Contemporary artists have created sculptures related to this disease.