Jornal Vascular Brasileiro
https://www.jvascbras.org/article/doi/10.1590/1677-5449.202600171
Jornal Vascular Brasileiro
Original Article

Percepções gerais sobre saúde e alimentação de mulheres diagnosticadas com lipedema: um estudo transversal

General perceptions regarding health and nutrition among women diagnosed with lipedema: a cross-sectional study

Camilla Felipe Ferreira; Clara Pancini Dornelas; Marcio Leandro Ribeiro de Souza

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1677-5449.202600171 J Vasc Bras, vol.25, e20260017, 2026
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Resumo

O lipedema é uma condição crônica, caracterizada pelo acúmulo anormal de gordura subcutânea, especialmente em pernas e braços. Apesar de ser frequentemente confundido com obesidade, celulite ou linfedema, o lipedema possui características próprias e pode não responder facilmente a dietas ou exercícios convencionais. Sendo assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as percepções gerais sobre saúde e alimentação de mulheres com lipedema, verificando possíveis associações com sintomas relacionados à essa condição. Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal com mulheres diagnosticadas com lipedema, que responderam a um questionário on-line sobre características de saúde e alimentação. Também foi aplicado o Questionário de Avaliação Sintomática do Lipedema para avaliação de sintomas e severidade. Foram incluídas 75 mulheres, com idade média de 28,6 ± 9,3 anos e índice de massa corporal médio de 30,9 ± 5,6 kg/m2 (50,7% obesas). Entre as mulheres, 80% se disseram insatisfeitas com o corpo desde o diagnóstico de lipedema, sendo 29,3% muito insatisfeitas. Foi observada uma alta prevalência de dor, inchaço, insatisfação corporal e relato de dificuldade de emagrecimento, e 94,7% percebem que a redução de medidas é mais difícil nas áreas acometidas. Observaram-se predomínio de consumo de alimentos não saudáveis antes do diagnóstico e baixa taxa de acompanhamento nutricional e psicológico após o diagnóstico, embora 89,3% tenham relatado necessidade de maior suporte profissional. Sendo assim, os resultados da presente pesquisa indicam que mulheres com lipedema relatam dificuldades no emagrecimento e impactos emocionais, além de reforçar a importância de abordagens multidisciplinares individualizadas como estratégia para a redução de sintomas e melhora da qualidade de vida.

Palavras-chave

lipedema; emagrecimento; dieta; qualidade de vida

Abstract

Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of subcutaneous fat, especially in the legs and arms. Although frequently confused with obesity, cellulitis, or lymphedema, lipedema has its own characteristics and may not respond well to conventional diets or exercise. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the general perceptions regarding health and diet of women with lipedema, verifying possible associations with symptoms related to lipedema. This was a cross-sectional study with women diagnosed with lipedema, who answered an online questionnaire about health and diet. They also answered the Lipedema Symptom Assessment Questionnaire (LSAQ) to assess symptoms and severity. Seventy-five women were included, with mean age of 28.6 ± 9.3 years and mean BMI of 30.9 ± 5.6 kg/m2 (50.7% obese). Eighty percent of these women reported being dissatisfied with their bodies since their lipedema diagnosis and 29.3% were very dissatisfied. There were high prevalence rates of pain, swelling, body dissatisfaction, and difficulty losing weight and 94.7% perceived that it was more difficult to reduce the size of affected areas of the body. Before diagnosis, unhealthy food consumption predominated and there was a low rate of nutritional and psychological follow-up after diagnosis, although 89.3% reported a need for greater professional support. As such, the results of this research show that women with lipedema report difficulty with weight loss and emotional impacts and highlight the importance of an individualized multidisciplinary approach as a strategy for reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Keywords

 lipedema; weight loss; diet; quality of life

References

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Submitted date:
01/29/2026

Accepted date:
08/12/2026

Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular (SBACV)"> Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular (SBACV)">
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