Lipedema, known as lipoedema in Europe, is a chronic disorder of the adipose tissue generally affecting the legs, which causes the legs, and sometimes the arms, but not the feet, to accumulate fatty tissue.Lipedema photos and explanation It is distinguishable by five characteristics: 1) it can be inherited; 2) it occurs almost exclusively in women; 3) it can occur in women of all sizes, from the seriously underweight to the morbidly obese; 4) it involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells in an unusual and particular pattern – [symmetrical] and usually from the [[waist to a distinct line just above the ankles; and 5) unlike the typical fat of obesity, lipedemic fat generally cannot be lost through diet and exercise.