Is Lipedema Just Another Excuse for Obesity in Indian Women?

The obesity epidemic in India has raised serious concerns about the health and wellness of the population, particularly among women. Among the alarming developments making headlines is lipedema, a lesser-known but increasingly prevalent condition that disproportionately affects Indian women. Experts are sounding the alarm, pointing to genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that make Indian women more vulnerable.

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder where excess fat is disproportionately deposited in the lower body, including the hips, thighs, and legs. Dr. Amit Singh, Consultant Cardiologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, highlights that lipedema primarily affects women and is often confused with obesity or lymphedema. Unlike regular fat accumulation, lipedema is painful and resistant to traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise.

“It is a known fact that the disease is progressive and its resultant symptoms are both painful and difficult to manage through diet and exercise. Lipedema stems from strong hereditary and hormonal factors, and these factors tend to show around puberty, pregnancy, or menopause,” – Dr. Amit Singh

Lipedema vs. Lipidemia: Understanding the Difference

Another closely related issue is lipidemia, which refers to elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Dr. S. M. Fayaz, Consultant – Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, explains that lipidemia can lead to cardiovascular diseases and is influenced by diet, genetics, lifestyle, and underlying conditions like hypothyroidism.

While lipedema is about fat distribution in tissues, lipidemia refers to fat levels in the blood—but both are influenced by similar factors and often co-exist.

Why Are Indian Women More Prone?

There are multiple interlinked reasons why Indian women are particularly susceptible to lipedema and lipidemia:

Factor	Explanation
Genetic Predisposition	South Asians, including Indian women, have a higher genetic risk for lipid issues
Diet	High intake of refined carbs, trans fats, and low protein/fiber diets
Hormonal Changes	PCOS, pregnancy, and menopause affect lipid metabolism
Sedentary Lifestyle	Urban lifestyle and domestic duties reduce physical activity
Delayed Check-ups	Cultural norms lead to neglect of regular health screenings

Hormones and Lipedema: A Complex Relationship

Hormonal changes play a pivotal role in triggering and worsening lipedema. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, and menopause can influence how the body stores and processes fat. These hormonal imbalances often go undiagnosed or are ignored until the condition becomes chronic.

Lifestyle Matters: The Urban Health Trap

According to doctors, doing household chores does not qualify as exercise. Unfortunately, many Indian women, especially in urban areas, engage in little to no physical activity. Whether due to long working hours or household responsibilities, the lack of structured physical movement leads to long-term metabolic issues and persistent obesity, which can worsen lipedema.

Nutrition and Misconceptions

Many women in India consume diets high in refined carbohydrates, trans fats, and sugary snacks, while skipping essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Irregular meal timings and lack of nutritional education further complicate the situation.

The Urgent Need for Awareness

One of the most alarming trends is the delay in seeking medical advice. Social and cultural beliefs often cause Indian women to prioritize family health over their own, leading to late-stage diagnosis and more complicated treatments.

“Most women neglect symptoms until it’s too late, making the disease harder to manage and treat,” – Dr. Fayaz

Conclusion

Lipedema and lipidemia represent a silent crisis affecting Indian women, exacerbated by lifestyle choices, hormonal shifts, and cultural norms. It is imperative to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis, and encourage healthy eating habits, regular health screenings, and physical activity to combat this growing issue.

References:

1.      Dr. Amit Singh, Consultant Cardiologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai

2.      Dr. S M Fayaz, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

3.      National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR), 2023 Dietary Guidelines

4.      World Health Organization (WHO) – Obesity and South Asian Health Risks

5.      Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2022 – Lipid Disorders in Women