In some cases the arms are also affected. The backs of the hands and feet usually remain free from swellings. Lipoedema is characterised by a proliferation of the subcutaneous fatty tissue (lipohypertrophy), swelling during the second half of the day and pain in the legs. The fat cells in lipoedema are formed in a different way from, for example, the fat stored on the abdomen.

Lipoedema almost exclusively affects women. Experts therefore assume that hormonal causes play a role in the disease. It develops generally towards the end of puberty or during pregnancy. The small number of men who develop lipoedema are very often also suffering from liver damage.

Lipoedema does not constitute reserves of fat that come from being overweight, but in fact involves diseased fat cells. However, excess weight and fluctuations in weight have a negative effect on lipoedema.