Big Leg Woman

Lipedema -- sometimes spelled lipodema or lipoedema -- is a hereditary condition which causes patients (almost always women) to store excess fat in the lower body, particularly the lower legs. The causes are little known or understood, but it seems to be passed from mother to daughter. Lipedema first becomes evident at puberty and often gets worse at pregnancy or perimenopause, many times progressing to lipo-lymphedema (painful swelling in the legs). It can be treated but not cured, and frequently goes undiagnosed (or misdiagnosed as ordinary obesity) for years.

I'm a Web developer and graduate student living in Maine. I've had lipedema since I was 11, but only learned about it when I was 40. It is my hope that this blog helps educate and inform people about lipedema and related conditions. E-mail me (jane null@null biglegwoman NULL.com)

Nothing on this site is meant to constitute medical advice or replace the help of a competent medical professional. There is a great deal of misinformation about lymphatic disorders, and you should always check out any information -- including mine -- before acting on it in ways that affect your own body.