Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that can affect women regardless of BMI. Here's why lipedema can remain hidden for years, especially in skinny women.
June 10, 2026
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We’d like to say “fat chance”, but if your parents are packing a few extra pounds, the odds are good that your double helix can predispose you to a double chin.
Research in the International Journal of Obesity estimates that around 79 per cent of your BMI is determined by your DNA, with environmental factors making up the rest [1].
But don't panic.
According to Harvard University research, if you ensure at least 25% of your calories come from protein, you may reduce the effects of certain obesity-related genes [2].
Plus, a study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the US found that men who ran 3 to 6km a day reduced the influence of genetics on their BMI [3].
- 3–6 km/day: The genetic contribution to male runners' BMI was reduced by 29%.
- 6–9 km/day: The genetic contribution was reduced by 39%.
- ≥9 km/day: The genetic contribution was reduced by 48%
Embark on a doctor-led & evidence-based Weight Loss journey
As little as a 5% reduction in body weight can achieve clinically significant improvements in metabolic health markers, while decreasing health risks and disease comorbidities [4].
"The body has a 'set point' for weight; when weight is lost, physiological responses can make further weight loss more challenging, and weight gain can occur as a natural compensatory response. Genetics, age, hormonal changes, and lifestyle play significant roles in weight gain and loss," shares Dr Ivan Puah, an experienced doctor treating fat loss and aiding patients in their weight loss goals.
Dr Puah's Weight Loss & Management programme in Singapore is a science-backed programme designed to help individuals lose weight safely and successfully.
Using multiple strategies to craft a personalised plan for each patient, every advice is backed by evidence-based.
Diet change
Low-calorie diets are often recommended; sometimes, very low-calorie diets may be necessary for a short time.
Diets that focus on specific macronutrients, such as the ketogenic or high-protein diets, might also be an option, but their long-term safety and effectiveness aren't fully established.
When you eat can matter for weight management; having a bigger breakfast and fasting overnight may help prevent obesity [5].
Exercise & Physical Activity
Physical activity is important for managing weight, whether to prevent weight gain, lose weight, or maintain weight loss.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommended that overweight and obese adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for health benefits [6].
For long-term weight loss, they suggested 200-300 minutes per week. Recent studies support these recommendations and suggest that even more activity may be needed to prevent regaining lost weight [7].
GLP-1 Medications Aid
When combined with GLP-1 medications, exercise, and diet change strategies, the combination treatment reduced it by 0.48, both compared to placebo and with significant results.
The weight loss from the diet reduced the severity of Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess waist fat, and abnormal cholesterol, by 0.48 points [8].
Abdominal fat percentage dropped by 2.6 points in the exercise group, 2.8 points in the GLP-1 medications group, and 6.1 points in the combination group [8]!
Modern Liposuction with the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique
Modern Liposuction with the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique can help you remove stubborn, unwanted fat from these trouble zones.
Dr Ivan Puah's MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique is a multi-dimensional contouring approach that works on each individual's unique body shape, fat anatomy, fat distribution and skin laxity.
Given that surgical scarring is a concern for patients, Dr Ivan Puah will keep incision scars to a minimum during liposuction. He strategically creates incisions to provide efficient access to the three fat layers.
This surgical technique removes fat thoroughly and encourages better skin retraction, which traditional liposuction fails to deliver.
Results from Modern Liposuction with MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique are natural and well-shaped.
The versatility of this approach enables Dr Ivan Puah to perform comprehensive 360-degree fat removal and sculpting in the trouble zones, such as the abdomen and waist, for optimal results.
If you have tried various methods to get rid of stubborn body fat but are not achieving the results you yearn for, contact us now.
