Indian women are more prone to this life threatening disease..

The obesity epidemic in India has raised several red flags when it comes to our health and wellness. Owing to socio-Indian women, in general, find themselves bearing the brunt of it. Making headlines is lipedema, a recent phenomenon where excess fat deposits in the body threaten their wellbeing.
Dr Amit Singh, Consultant, Cardiolog Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai shared that lipedema is a chronic illness or disorder wherein a person’s lower body, which conss of the hips, thighs, and legs, accumulate an unusual or disproportionate amount of fat. The condition primarily affects women, and is often makenly confused with obesity and lymphedema.
“It is a known fact that the disease is progressive and its resultant symptoms are both painful and difficult to manage through diet and exercise. Lipedema stems from strong hereditary and hormonal factors, and these factors tend to show around puberty, pregnancy, or menopause,” he added.
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Dr S M Fayaz, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru explained that lipedema refers to the presence of lipids (fats) in the blood. It includes conditions like hyperlepidemia, where there is a rise in cholesterol and triglycerides, which may result in cardiovascular diseases.
Lipedemia is influenced diet, genetics, lifestyle, and other underlying conditions. Metabolic disorders like hypothyroidism can also lead to increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This condition is usually treated with lifestyle and dietary modification along with medical therapy in some cases.
Why are women more prone to this condition? (Source: Freepik)
5 reasons that make Indian women more prone to having it:
1. Genetic Predisposition – South Asians, including Indian women, have increased genetic predisposition towards dyslipidemia, leading to high cholesterol and triglycerides at an early age.
2. Dietary Patterns – High consumption of refined carbohydrate, trans fatty acids and fried foods without adequate consumption of protein and fiber results in abnormal lipids.Story continues below this ad
3. Hormonal Changes – Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, and menopause influence lipid metabolism, resulting in lipidemia.
4. Sedentary Lifestyle – Many Indian women, particularly in urban women, lead a sedentary lifestyle due to domestic work or employment, leading to obesity and metabolic diseases.
5. Delayed Health Checkups – Social and cultural beliefs tend to make Indian women neglect their own health, causing delayed detection and treatment of lipid imbalances in the blood.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.