Is it Lipedema, Lymphedema, or Obesity? Identifying the Differences at Home

Medically reviewed by Mohamed T. Hassan, MD, DABVLM, RPVI, on March 2, 2025

When it comes to understanding conditions that cause swelling and changes in the appearance of your legs, lipedema, lymphedema, and obesity are three common terms that often come up. These conditions can share similar symptoms, making it tricky to tell them apart.

Adding to the confusion, lipedema and lymphedema sound similar and can sometimes occur together. Understanding these differences is key to diagnosing and treating patients with leg pain, swelling, and other vein problems.

To explore these conditions in simple terms, helping you understand what they are, how they differ, and what you can do about them, we spoke to Dr. Mohamed Hassan, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Hoover, Alabama, or Trussville, Alabama.

Relieve Swelling and Improve Your Quality of Life
Don’t let lymphedema keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. The vein specialists at Center for Vein Restoration offer effective treatments to reduce swelling, improve blood flow, and alleviate discomfort. Schedule a consultation to discover the best path forward for your unique needs.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hassan in Hoover, Alabama, CLICK HERE.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hassan in Trussville, Alabama, CLICK HERE.

Don’t live near Trussville or Hoover, Alabama? Call al 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at one of 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.

What Is Lymphedema?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, lymphedema is a condition that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of our immune system. It happens when lymphatic fluid builds up in the tissues, causing swelling. This swelling, often seen in the arms or legs, can develop due to congenital factors (primary lymphedema) or damage to the lymph nodes from surgery, radiation, or infection (secondary lymphedema).

Symptoms of Lymphedema

• Swelling that may be on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral)
• Can start at any age, including childhood or later in life
• Skin changes over time, including hardening or thickening
• Often described as feeling tight or stiff, though not usually painful
• Pitting in early stages (when pressing on the swollen area leaves a dent)
• Positive Stemmer’s sign: the inability to pinch the skin at the base of the toes

Lymphedema can cause complications such as skin infections, ulcers, and reduced mobility if left untreated. While it doesn’t directly cause vein disease, the swelling can worsen symptoms of conditions like venous insufficiency, the root cause of varicose veins.

Treatment Options for Lymphedema

While there is no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms through:

• Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency
• Compression therapy
• Manual lymphatic drainage (a special type of massage)
• Exercise to improve circulation
• Skincare to prevent infections

If you’re experiencing persistent swelling, a vein expert can help assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate care.

Expert Care for Lymphedema Starts at Center for Vein Restoration

Managing lymphedema requires a comprehensive approach—and the vein specialists here at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) are here to provide it. Through advanced diagnostic tools, tailored compression therapy, and treatments for venous insufficiency, we help patients find relief from swelling and discomfort. Reach out now to schedule an evaluation with one of our board-certified vein doctors.

CVR proudly accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative to learn more about insurance coverage or schedule a lymphedema consultation HERE.

What Is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic condition that primarily affects women. It involves the abnormal buildup of fat, usually in the legs and sometimes the arms, while sparing the feet and hands. This condition is often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema, but its distinct characteristics set it apart.

Symptoms of Lipedema

• Almost exclusively affects women
• Symmetrical fat distribution in the lower body, sparing the feet and hands
• Painful, tender areas that bruise easily
• Non-pitting edema (pressing on the swollen area does not leave a dent)
• Negative Stemmer’s sign: You can pinch the skin at the base of the toes

Lipedema is thought to have a genetic component, often starting during puberty or hormonal changes. Over time, untreated lipedema can worsen and involve the lymphatic system.

Treatment Options for Lipedema

Managing lipedema often includes:

• Compression garments to reduce swelling
• Lymphatic drainage
• Liposuction to remove abnormal fat deposits in severe cases

A vein specialist can help determine if your symptoms are related to vein problems or conditions like venous insufficiency, which may coexist with lipedema.

Schedule your appointment with a Center for Vein Restoration vein expert today.

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is a generalized condition caused by an excess of body fat. Unlike lipedema or lymphedema, it affects the entire body, including the trunk, arms, legs, and sometimes the face. Obesity is often associated with lifestyle factors, genetics, and underlying medical conditions such as metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of Obesity

• Symmetrical fat distribution throughout the body
• Fat accumulation in the abdomen (visceral fat)
• No pain or tenderness in the affected areas
• Hands and feet are also affected
• No pitting edema or frequent bruising

Unlike lipedema, obesity responds well to diet and exercise, with weight loss leading to proportional fat loss across the body.

Why Is This Important? According to NYU Langone Health, obesity can contribute to vein disease, including varicose veins. Excess weight places additional pressure on the veins in your legs, making it harder for blood to flow back to the heart. Left untreated, vein disease can lead to leg pain, swelling, and complications such as skin ulcers and blood clots.

Treatment for Obesity-Related Vein Problems: If obesity contributes to vein problems, a vein expert may recommend treatments like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, or lifestyle changes.

Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Although lipedema, lymphedema, and obesity can share similar symptoms, they require different treatments. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to unnecessary suffering and complications. For instance, treating lipedema as obesity might not relieve symptoms, while mistaking lymphedema for lipedema could mean missing the chance to prevent more serious issues.

At Center for Vein Restoration, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vein-related conditions, including those that overlap with lipedema or lymphedema. If you’re experiencing swelling, leg pain, or other symptoms of vein problems, our team of vein specialists can help identify the root cause and recommend the best course of action.

How a Vein Specialist Can Help

A thorough evaluation by a vein expert is the first step toward understanding your condition. This may include:

• A physical examination
• Diagnostic imaging, like an ultrasound, to check for venous insufficiency or varicose veins
• A detailed review of your medical history

By pinpointing the cause of your symptoms, a qualified vein specialist can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both the underlying condition and its impact on your quality of life.

Take Control of Your Leg Swelling Today!
If swelling in your legs impacts your quality of life, a vein expert at Center for Vein Restoration can help. CVR’s vein specialists can improve circulation and reduce lymphedema symptoms by addressing underlying venous insufficiency and offering treatments like compression therapy, sclerotherapy, or other minimally invasive procedures.

Contact us today at 240-965-3915 to start your personalized care plan or click the link below.