Obesity and Lymphedema

Obesity and lymphedema are closely linked conditions that can significantly impact health and quality of life. Obesity increases the risk of developing lymphedema by placing excess pressure on the lymphatic system, leading to fluid retention and swelling, particularly in the limbs.

In turn, lymphedema can worsen mobility and contribute to further weight gain. Managing both conditions often involves weight control, physical activity, compression therapy, and specialized medical care to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic function.

Introduction

Excessive fat accumulation in the body is a common symptom of obesity. One major risk factor for a number of illnesses, including lymphedema, is obesity.

One method for estimating and screening for obesity in both adults and children is the body mass index, or BMI. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that a person is considered obese if their BMI is 30 or more.

Over two out of five persons are obese, and roughly one out of every eleven adults are severely obese, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Obesity is a major risk factor for lymphedema development, according to current research.

When the lymphatic system isn’t functioning properly, protein-rich fluid accumulates in the body, causing lymphedema. Swelling and pain, which usually affects the arms or legs, may follow.

Obesity and lymphedema are frequently related health problems. It’s a “reciprocal relationship,” according to a research in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, since people who have lymphedema are more likely to become obese, and obese people are more likely to get lymphedema.

What is Lymphedema?

Research indicates that almost one out of every 1,000 Americans will receive a secondary lymphedema diagnosis. When the lymphatic system malfunctions, it produces an excess of lymphatic fluid, which is known as lymphedema. Excessive swelling, inflammation, changes in the skin and tissue, pain, a sense of weight in the affected limb, limited movement, and other health problems are all brought on by the constant, increasing buildup of fluid.

Secondary lymphedema and primary lymphedema are the two principal forms. Congenital abnormalities such lymphatic system malformations that make it difficult for the body to handle fluids are the cause of primary lymphedema.

In adults, secondary lymphedema, sometimes referred to as acquired lymphedema, is much more prevalent and accounts for 99% of cases. The arms, legs, and trunk are where it is most frequently found and is caused by injury to the lymphatic system. Infections, cancer, injuries, and operations are the most frequent causes.

With progressively more pronounced symptoms, primary and secondary lymphedema worsens with time if treatment is not received. The sooner you get a diagnosis and start treating your lymphedema symptoms, the more likely it is that the problem won’t advance quickly to its later stages.

What is obesity?

It is important to distinguish obesity from overweight, which is defined as an excessive buildup of fat that poses a health concern. If a person’s body mass index (BMI) is at least 25, they are considered overweight, and if it is at least 30, they are considered obese, according to the CDC. Genetics, a bad diet, inactivity, or a combination of these things can all be common causes of obesity.

Obesity is a major worry since it increases your chance of developing a number of illnesses and consequences. For instance, high blood pressure and heart disease, which can result in heart attacks and strokes, are more common among obese persons. Your lymphatic system may have to work more to transfer and discharge lymphatic fluid, while your circulatory system may have to work harder to circulate blood if you have too much fat.

What Connection Does Obesity Have to Lymphedema?

Sometimes a doctor will mistakenly identify someone with lymphedema as fat, or they may conclude that they have both diseases at the same time. In the US, 42% of the population is obese. People are increasingly managing various chronic health issues, such as lymphedema, while also being clinically obese, as the prevalence of clinical obesity climbs globally.

Another study that was published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that due to the increased pressure that obesity places on the lymphatic system, obese people are more likely to develop lymphedema. They have a higher chance of experiencing aberrant inflammatory reactions and a diminished capacity to sustain regular lymphatic flow when their baseline lymphatic function is disturbed.

The development of secondary lymphedema is strongly linked to severe obesity, according to recent studies. The diagnosis of both severe obesity and lymphedema at the same time increased over a seven-year period, according to a study published in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.

As an interesting side note, the researchers discovered that patients with both illnesses were more likely to be male and younger than those with lymphedema alone. Because of its close association with lymphedema related to breast cancer, lymphedema has historically been identified with women.

How Does Having Both Conditions Present Difficulties?

Cellulitis was more common in the aforementioned study’s patients than in those who only had lymphedema or extreme obesity. Chronic wounds and venous stasis ulcers are caused by cellulitis, an infection that is hard to heal and often difficult to cure.

The emotional and psychological effects of lymphedema are equally profound, and they may worsen if you are also dealing with obesity. Managing your diseases might often leave you feeling angry, ashamed, upset, or emotionally spent, and it can be challenging to be body positive.

The question of whether individuals with obesity and lymphedema are getting the complete spectrum of support they require is currently being questioned by lymphedema specialists. These patients receive less targeted treatment, including compression for lymphedema, which has been shown to lower the incidence of cellulitis, according to the study’s authors. To enable early diagnosis and improved therapy, it is critical to raise awareness of the link between obesity and lymphedema.

Supporting You in Managing Your Obesity and Lymphedema

You should have access to a thorough treatment plan that will help you manage your obesity and lymphedema and lead an active, fulfilling life. Innovative and empowering pneumatic compression therapy alternatives are available from Lympha Press for a range of body types and medical issues.

Lympha pants and arm sleeves, for instance, are readily adjustable and come in a variety of sizes. To provide a variety of pressure possibilities, these cozy clothes feature chambers that can be inflated and deflated. Another option is the LymphaPod, which effectively applies compression therapy while encircling your body like a sleeping bag.

Are you in need of more details regarding living with obesity, lymphedema, or problems comparable to these? Welcome to the Lympha Press blog, where you may get more information and encouragement from a group of patients and healthcare providers who are sympathetic to your experience. We at Lympha Press are here to support your success!

WHAT LYMPHEDEMA Symptoms Should Obesity Patients Watch Out For?

Obesity increases the risk of developing more severe lymphedema or lymphedema that develops for no apparent reason, such as an injury or surgery. For many individuals, controlling their weight is crucial to managing their lymphedema symptoms and avoiding complications. This implies that if you are obese, you should be on the lookout for signs of lymphedema. If you are fat and concerned that you may develop lymphedema, you should be aware of these symptoms.

Pain: Pain may not always be present, but it might be caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in your body’s fatty tissues. When there is significant swelling, the likelihood of lymphedema-related pain increases.

Swelling: The accumulation of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues beneath the skin causes swelling in patients with lymphedema. Pain could be caused by this swelling. You might need to change to something looser when swelling from lymphedema worsens because it can also make it hard to fit into your clothes. Elevation, compression clothing, frequent exercise, and staying hydrated can all aid in promoting lymph fluid movement and minimizing edema.

Decreased range of motion: The extent of swelling may potentially impair your range of motion, depending on how severe your lymphedema is. Walking may cause pain and tightness in your legs, and reaching up to get something may cause agony when you raise your arm above your head. This reduced range of motion typically disappears when the edema subsides. Lymphedema in conjunction with obesity can make life considerably more difficult, as obesity can already make it more difficult to move around and lead a pain-free existence.

Hardened skin/fibrosis: In extreme lymphedema situations, the skin may start to harden and resemble the texture and appearance of an elephant’s rough hide. The term fibrosis also refers to skin hardening. It’s also possible that you’ll notice your skin turning brownish instead of normal. Some people with tough skin also have papillomas, which are tiny pimples on the skin that can leak fluid.

Limb heaviness: Your limbs may feel heavy with lymphedema, much like with other forms of edema. This primarily results from limb swelling, however it is made worse for obese people who may already have trouble moving about comfortably. Additionally, you may sense a kind of “tight” sensation in your skin, which may worsen when you stand up or climb stairs by stretching your legs.

Numbness: Although some degree of pain and discomfort is typical with lymphedema, you may not have any symptoms at all. Although these symptoms might not persist for long, lymphedema sufferers frequently experience tingling and numbness.

Handling lymphedema caused by obesity

Traditional lymphedema treatment techniques are comparable to the early management of obesity-related lymphedema. Pneumatic compression and compression garments are advised by doctors to help the fluid leave the afflicted area and avoid buildup.

Exercise is an important aspect of treatment for people with obesity-related lymphedema because it helps them reduce their body mass index and move lymphatic fluid.

Sometimes, excisional operations and other surgical techniques can help with lymphedema.

Physicians frequently advise patients with lymphedema associated with obesity to go to a bariatric weight loss facility in order to undergo weight loss surgery. This is because it might be challenging for many obese persons to reduce weight with diet and exercise alone.

A tiny region of localized lymphedema and superfluous skin may be removed by doctors after weight loss. By doing this, the likelihood of problems and recurrence is decreased.

Weight loss through approved program: It is believed that controlling one’s weight is a crucial component of treatment. The main reason for this is that obesity is a significant risk factor for lymphedema. Patients who have been diagnosed with lymphedema should try to maintain their body weight or, if their weight is higher than recommended, work to reduce it. Patients will benefit from working with a professional who understands how to use weight control in the treatment of lymphedema. Physicians frequently advise patients with obesity-related lymphedema to undergo weight loss surgery at a bariatric weight loss facility. This is due to the fact that many obese persons may find it challenging to reduce their weight with diet and exercise alone.

Manual lymph drainage: The circulation of lymph fluids throughout the body and the draining of lymph nodes are promoted by lymphatic drainage massage, a type of mild massage. The symptoms of lymphedema might be lessened with its help. You may receive instruction from a lymphedema specialist on how to perform these massages at home.

Compression therapy: In order to help the fluid leave the affected area and avoid accumulating, doctors advise wearing compression clothing. The passage of lymph fluid can be encouraged using compression garments for lymphedema, which helps lessen swelling in the afflicted area of the body.

Furthermore, with chambers that can be inflated and deflated to provide a variety of pressure settings, pneumatic compression devices gently promote the movement of lymph fluid, thereby reducing swelling and its associated symptoms.

Can you do anything?

See a physician if you require assistance in decreasing weight in order to reduce your risk of lymphedema. Professional assistance makes weight loss simpler, whether it be through a customized diet, an exercise regimen, or a physician who can identify the hereditary and lifestyle factors contributing to your incapacity to control your weight.

Regardless of whether you have had surgery recently or not, research has shown a connection between obesity and lymphedema. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to ascertain the precise connection between the two disorders. In addition to reducing your chance of getting lymphedema, controlling your weight can help you manage your symptoms if you already have it.

CAN PATIENTS WITH OBESE AVOID LYMPHEDEMA?

The good news is that there are preventative measures for lymphedema in obese persons. Even if you do get lymphedema, you can manage your disease more easily by minimizing symptoms by following these guidelines. Here are several ways to lessen your chance of getting lymphedema and make living with it more comfortable.

Daily exercise: By helping you maintain a healthy weight, exercise lowers your chance of lymphedema. Frequent physical activity also aids in lymphatic drainage, which prevents lymph fluid from building up in your tissues and causing swelling. To encourage lymphatic drainage, daily exercise is an essential component of full decongestive therapy, even if you already have lymphedema.

Hydrate throughout the day: For optimal lymphatic function, you must be hydrated because the majority of your lymphatic system is composed of water. Your lymphatic system may accumulate fluid as a result of dehydration, which can slow down the passage of lymph fluid.

Eat a nutritious diet: Because obesity is a risk factor for lymphedema, controlling your weight via exercise and a nutritious diet can help you avoid developing lymphedema. To help you lose weight and reduce your risk, try to adhere to the CDC’s Dietary Guidelines or any dietary regimens that your doctor prescribes. Omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and berries are some suggested foods and nutrients that you can incorporate into your diet.

Get quality sleep: Lymphedema prevention is no exception to the rule that sleep is essential for good health. To guarantee that your lymphatic system is operating as it should, make sure you receive enough sleep. Getting enough sleep will help you stay healthier overall and lower your risk of lymphedema.

Consult a doctor: See a physician if you require assistance in decreasing weight in order to reduce your risk of lymphedema. Professional assistance makes weight loss simpler, whether it be through a customized diet, an exercise regimen, or a physician who can identify the hereditary and lifestyle factors contributing to your incapacity to control your weight. A personal trainer who can assist you in reaching a healthy weight may then be suggested by your physician.

MANAGEING LYMPHEDEMA AFTER A DIAGNOSIS

There are a number of things you can do to control your symptoms after receiving a lymphedema diagnosis. As previously mentioned, maintaining a balanced diet and exercising frequently will help you lose weight, and being hydrated will help encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid.

To encourage drainage, you should also learn how to do a lymphatic massage in addition to these actions. During your next visit, a lymphedema specialist can demonstrate how to perform these massages at home. Additionally, compression clothing and pneumatic compression devices can be used.

LYMPHEDEMA AND OBESITY WRAPPING UP

Regardless of whether you have had surgery recently or not, research has shown a connection between obesity and lymphedema. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to ascertain the precise connection between the two disorders. In addition to reducing your chance of getting lymphedema, controlling your weight can help you manage your symptoms if you already have it.

The Flexitouch Plus System from Tactile Medical can assist if you need assistance reducing the pain and swelling associated with lymphedema. In order to lessen edema and its associated symptoms, this pneumatic compression device gently promotes the passage of lymph fluid.

Lymphedema and obesity complications

Individuals who are obese are more likely to experience additional health issues, including:

• high blood pressure
• stroke
• coronary heart disease
• type 2 diabetes
• osteoarthritis
• dyslipidemia
• sleep apnea
• depression
• anxiety
• certain types of cancer
• difficulty in physical functioning

Serious lymphedema cases may also result in the following complications:

• cellulitis
• superficial bacterial and fungal infection
• lymphangitis
• deep vein thrombosis
• depression
• anxiety
• functional impairment

Patients may need surgery if their advanced lymphedema does not improve with medication.

Why can obesity lead to lymphedema?

We don’t fully understand the precise relationship between fat and lymphedema.

A higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and several types of cancer has been associated with obesity, which can also put more strain on your body’s systems.

Obesity can put stress on your lymphatic system, although the precise mechanism is still being studied. This can impair its function and, in certain situations, do enough harm to cause lymphedema.

Possible side effects of lymphedema brought on by obesity

Complications from obesity-induced lymphedema can be numerous.

A dysfunctional lymphatic system might raise your risk of bacterial and fungal infections, including cellulitis, because it plays a part in defending your body against infections.

More serious side effects like blood clots and lymphangiosarcoma, an uncommon type of cancer, are also linked to lymphedema.

Obesity-induced lymphedema can greatly limit your mobility by making it harder for you to walk or move around, particularly if it affects your legs.

How do medical professionals identify obesity-related lymphedema?

Obesity-induced lymphedema is often diagnosed by a physician following a physical examination and evaluation of your medical history.

Although they are not always required, your doctor may request blood or urine tests if the cause of your swelling is unknown.

Imaging tests may also be performed on you in order to help your doctor confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the problem. Your physician may use these tests to look for indications of possible problems. Your physician may prescribe the following imaging tests:

• lymphoscintigraphy (a type of nuclear imaging)
• MRI
• CT
• ultrasound

Treatment of lymphedema caused by obesity

Reduction of body weight is the main treatment for lymphedema caused by obesity. This can help halt or decrease the swelling’s progression.

However, because the edema might make it difficult to move about, it can hamper weight loss efforts.

Surgery may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms of lymphedema brought on by obesity, but obesity also raises the risk of surgical complications. Because of this, before attempting surgery, surgeons typically advise decreasing weight to bring your BMI down to a specific level.

What are the chances of surviving lymphedema brought on by obesity?

There is no known cure for lymphedema. Although it can’t be completely reversed at this point, its advancement can be delayed or even stopped.

If obesity-induced lymphedema can be promptly and reliably treated, the prognosis is typically better in the long run.

Summary

A disorder known as lymphedema is brought on by an accumulation of fluid in any area of the body as a result of the lymphatic system’s malfunction. Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of lymphedema, according to recent studies.

Depending on an individual’s BMI, obesity-related lymphedema may develop in both the lower and upper body. Numerous issues can result from both obesity and lymphedema.

For an early diagnosis and course of therapy, obese patients exhibiting lymphedema symptoms should speak with a healthcare provider.

One kind of swelling that happens when your lymphatic system malfunctions is called lymphedema. It results in the accumulation of lymph, a body fluid, in your tissues, particularly in your extremities.

People who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above may develop obesity-induced lymphedema, which is typically accompanied by leg swelling.

Chronic lymphedema brought on by obesity might have serious side effects. The sooner you begin therapy for this ailment, the better your chances may be.

FAQs

Reference

• Rossiaky, D. (2023, June 1). What is Obesity-Induced lymphedema? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity/lymphedema-obesity
• Bhowmik, S. (2023, May 23). Obesity and lymphedema: Is there a connection? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-and-lymphedema
• Lymphedema and obesity: Are they connected? – Tactile medical. (2025, February 4). Tactile Medical. https://tactilemedical.com/resource-hub/lymphedema/lymphedema-and-obesity-are-they-connected/
• Lympha Press. (2023, July 12). What is the Connection Between Lymphedema and Obesity? Lympha Press® | Compression Pumps & Garments. https://www.lymphapress.com/blog/what-is-the-connection-between-lymphedema-and-obesity/
• Admin. (2024a, April 6). What is the link between lymphedema and obesity? Aastha Bariatrics. https://aasthabariatrics.com/what-is-the-link-between-lymphedema-and-obesity/
• medi USA. (2024, May 30). Obesity and lymphedema. Medi USA. https://www.mediusa.com/conditions/obesity-and-lymphedema/