Latest news with #chroniccondition
Medical News Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Are lipedema and obesity related?
Lipedema and obesity both involve fat accumulation, but they are distinct conditions with different causes and treatment protocols. It is possible to have both conditions at the same time, but a person can have one without the other. Having obesity increases the risk of developing lipedema, but does not directly cause can be more challenging to diagnose if a person also has is a chronic (long term), progressive condition in which fat accumulates in the legs and feet. It typically affects people assigned female at birth more than those assigned male. Lipedema does not typically respond to weight loss methods, and treatments include wearing compression garments and undergoing lymphatic drainage is a complex, chronic condition in which fat accumulates throughout the body, not just in the lower extremities. Its causes may be metabolic, environmental, and genetic. Obesity typically improves with dietary and lifestyle changes. It can cause serious health complications, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 table below summarizes the key differences between lipedema and it affectsmostly femalesmales and femalesPrevalence6.5% to 11% of US femalesone-third of US adultsFat distributionsymmetrical fat distribution in the hips, abdomen, and legs, that is 'nodular' or lumpythroughout the bodyPainpain, tenderness, and heaviness in the affected limbspossible pain caused by stress on the joints and inflammationCausesgenetic and hormonal factors—it may begin and worsen around puberty, pregnancy, and menopausemetabolic, environmental, and genetic factorsDiagnosismedical history, physical exam, no definitive testbody mass index (BMI) calculationTreatmentcompression garments, lymphatic drainage massage, specialized liposuction, pain management medicationsdiet and lifestyle changesImpact on daily lifephysical, psychological, and emotional physical, psychological, and emotional It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between lipedema and obesity. A person concerned about fat accumulation in their lower body may suspect they have lipedema, particularly if traditional weight loss methods have not helped. Typically, lipedema fat does not affect the hands and feet. Lipedema fat stops abruptly at the ankle creating a cuff effect. A person with lipedema may also experience pain, tenderness, and easy is a good idea to discuss these symptoms with a doctor, who may ask about the person's family medical history and perform a physical exam. Diagnosing lipedema requires eliminating the possibility of other conditions, including obesity. The Lipedema Foundation provides a patient self-advocacy guide. It supports people who suspect they may have lipedema and those who have received a diagnosis to navigate their healthcare lipedema and obesity require different treatment approaches, people with either or both conditions can benefit from lifestyle measures, such as:eating a nutritious diet that does not provide more energy than the body needsgetting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per weekavoiding long periods of inactivity»FIND CARE:Find a vascular specialist in your area today. Learn moreWhat causes heavy aching legs?Medicare and liposuction: What to knowHow much should I weigh for my height and age?What are the treatments for obesity?
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Lupita Nyong'o reveals uterine fibroid battle
The Oscar winner shared details of her longtime struggle with the chronic condition in a candid Instagram post, and explained she learned of her diagnosis more than a decade ago. 'In March 2014, I won an Academy Award. That same year, I discovered I had uterine fibroids.'"30 fibroids. I had surgery to remove them. I asked my doctor if I could do anything to prevent them from recurring. She said: 'You can't. It's only a matter of time until they grow again'.' Lupita went on to explain that fibroids are "non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus" but that while they might be far from rare…
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lupita Nyong'o reveals uterine fibroid battle
The Oscar winner shared details of her longtime struggle with the chronic condition in a candid Instagram post, and explained she learned of her diagnosis more than a decade ago. 'In March 2014, I won an Academy Award. That same year, I discovered I had uterine fibroids.'"30 fibroids. I had surgery to remove them. I asked my doctor if I could do anything to prevent them from recurring. She said: 'You can't. It's only a matter of time until they grow again'.' Lupita went on to explain that fibroids are "non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus" but that while they might be far from rare…
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lupita Nyong'o reveals uterine fibroid battle
Lupita Nyong'o has revealed she has spent more than a decade fighting uterine fibroids. The Oscar winner shared details of her longtime struggle with the chronic condition in a candid Instagram post and explained she learned of her diagnosis more than a decade ago. "In March 2014, I won an Academy Award. That same year, I discovered I had uterine fibroids," Lupita, 42, wrote on 15 July. "30 fibroids. I had surgery to remove them. I asked my doctor if I could do anything to prevent them from recurring. She said: 'You can't. It's only a matter of time until they grow again'." Lupita went on to explain that fibroids are "non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus" but that while they might be far from rare, with "8 out of 10 Black women" and "7 out of 10 white women" experiencing fibroids, they were infrequently discussed. "When we reach puberty, we're taught that periods mean pain, and that pain is simply part of being a woman," she wrote. "I started talking about my experience privately, and I realized so many women are going through this. We're struggling alone with something that affects most of us. No more suffering in silence!" To that end, Lupita explained, she had joined forces with a group of congresswomen with the aim of legislating funding for research, early detection and treatment.
Health Line
28-05-2025
- General
- Health Line
9 Multiple Sclerosis Facts You Should Know
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that currently does not have a cure. Over 1.8 million people worldwide live with MS. Symptoms vary from person to person but can include numbness, tingling, slurred speech, and vision problems. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease, which means it affects your nerves. It's also an autoimmune disease. This means your body's defenses against disease malfunction and start attacking your own cells. With MS, your immune system attacks your body's myelin, which is a protective substance that covers your nerves. The unprotected nerves are damaged and can't function as they would with healthy myelin. The damage to the nerves produces a wide range of symptoms that vary in severity. Read on for some key facts you should know about MS. 1. MS is a chronic condition Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition, which means it's long lasting, and there's no cure for it. That said, it's important to know that for most people who have MS, the disease is not fatal. The World Health Organization reports that more than 1.8 million people worldwide live with MS. Research indicates that people with MS will typically have an average life expectancy similar to people who do not have MS. Research also suggests that a rare few may develop complications so severe that their life expectancy may be negatively affected. Although MS is a long-term condition, medications and lifestyle adjustments are helpful in managing most of its symptoms. 2. MS affects younger adults, and often women The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) reports that though healthcare professionals diagnose MS in children and older adults, those affected typically receive a diagnosis between ages 20 and 40 years. When a person over age 50 receives a diagnosis, it's usually called late-onset MS. Older adults sometimes have a more difficult time finding a diagnosis due to other, age-related conditions with similar symptoms. The National MS Society reports that women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with MS. 3. MS can be difficult to diagnose MS can be challenging to diagnose. Symptoms and single tests may not be enough to definitively diagnose MS. MS shares symptoms with a number of other conditions, making pinpointing the source harder. Multiple tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms are usually required, including: blood tests neurological exams magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visual evoked potential (VEP) test spinal fluid analysis optical coherence tomography (OCT) 4. MS symptoms vary The list of possible MS symptoms is long. It includes numbness and tingling, vision problems, balance and mobility issues, and slurred speech. There's no such thing as a 'typical' symptom of MS because each person experiences the disease differently. The same symptoms may come and go frequently, or you may regain a lost function, such as bladder control. The unpredictable pattern of symptoms has to do with which nerves your immune system attacks at any given time. 5. MS involves relapse and remission Most people who seek treatment for MS go through relapses and remissions. Remission is a period in which your relapsing symptoms improve. A remission can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years. But remission does not mean you no longer have MS. MS medications can help reduce the chances of developing new symptoms, but they do not cure MS. Symptoms will likely return at some point. 6. There's a cognitive side to MS The damage MS does to your nerves can also affect your critical thinking and other cognitive (mental) skills. It's not uncommon for people with MS to have problems with memory and finding the right words to express themselves. Other cognitive effects can include: inability to concentrate or pay attention impaired problem-solving skills trouble with spatial relations (knowing where your body is in space) Cognitive problems can sometimes lead to frustration, depression, and anger. These are typical reactions that your doctor can monitor and help you manage. 7. MS is a silent disease MS is labeled as a 'silent disease' or an ' invisible illness.' Many people with MS look no different from someone without it because some of the symptoms, such as blurred vision, sensory problems, and chronic pain, aren't visible. However, someone with MS may need special accommodations even if they don't have mobility issues and seem fine. MS is also called a silent disease because even during remission, the disease still progresses. This is sometimes referred to as the 'silent progression' of MS. 8. It helps to stay cool Doctors recommend that people with MS stay cool whenever possible. Heat intolerance is a common problem and often causes an exacerbation of symptoms. Unlike people who don't have MS, heat intolerance doesn't just mean experiencing discomfort because of high heat — it's a temporary worsening of MS symptoms. You might experience a spike of symptoms from: hot weather or sun exposure fever or illness hot baths or showers overheating from exercise Use fans and air conditioning, cool drinks, and icy compresses to keep cool. Wear layers of lightweight clothing that are easy to remove. A cooling vest can also help. It's important to note that although you may have a relapse that's heat-related, hot temperatures do not cause MS to progress more quickly. 9. Vitamin D plays a role Research indicates a link between vitamin D and MS. The nutrient may protect against MS, and it may lead to fewer relapses in people who already have the disease. Researchers note that more research is needed to better understand the relationship between vitamin D and MS. Sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in your body, but sun exposure can also lead to heat-induced symptoms. Other sources of vitamin D can include fortified milk, orange juice, and certain breakfast cereals. Cod liver oil, swordfish, salmon, tuna, and eggs are also natural food sources of vitamin D.
