CONDITIONS

Lipodystrophy

A rare group of conditions where abnormal fat storage causes severe insulin resistance and metabolic complications.

Lipodystrophy is a group of rare conditions where the body cannot properly store fat under the skin. Instead, fat accumulates in dangerous places like the liver and muscles, leading to severe insulin resistance, diabetes, and high triglycerides — even in people who appear thin. It can be inherited or acquired later in life.

Lipodystrophy encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by selective loss (lipoatrophy) or absence of subcutaneous adipose tissue. The resulting inability to store triglycerides in adipose depots leads to ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver and skeletal muscle, causing severe insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridaemia, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Leptin deficiency from reduced adipose mass further exacerbates metabolic dysfunction.

While rare, lipodystrophy illustrates a critical principle: it is not just how much fat you carry, but where it is stored that determines metabolic health. Treatments such as metreleptin replacement and GLP-1 receptor agonists can be life-changing, and recognition by a specialist clinic like NuLifeCare ensures appropriate diagnosis and management.

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Medical Disclaimer

This library is for general education and does not replace individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a doctor for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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