Lymphedema caused by Obesity

There are many conditions and pathologies that might cause lymphedema, obesity and morbid obesity are two such conditions. Very often, lymphedema in the obese population isn’t caused by a direct destruction of the lymphatic vessels, but rather indirectly by other factors.

What are the factors that cause lymphedema?

The increase in the fat cells will take up more space in the body, putting pressure on the lymphatic system, obstructing it. If there is an obstruction or a blockage, the lymphatic fluid will no longer be able to travel back to the lymph nodes and to the heart, it will stay “stuck” in the area.

Obesity is the main contributor to heart failure, and when the heart is unable to pump all the fluid in the body due to disease, lymphedema will occur. The decrease in heart function and an increase in pressure due to the high level of fat cells will increase the blood pressure in the heart, again contributing to lymphedema. Many people who suffer from obesity also suffer from sleep apnea. The inability to properly breathe and sleep will affect the fluid levels in the body increasing the chances in the formation of lymphedema.

While there is a small amount of musculature in some of the lymphatic vessels, most of the lymphatic flow is passive, it relies on a pump and push mechanism. The muscles in the limbs will create a push directing the fluid in an upwards movement. Many morbidly obese people are inactive, thus removing the push mechanism created by the muscles. Once the fluid enters the subclavian veins, there will be a void in the vessels, causing a pump (suction), pulling more fluid up.

Can Lymphedema caused by Obesity be treated?

This is a question that is asked by many clinicians, and research studies often give contradicting responses. When drastically decreasing the body mass index, it was found that some of the people were rid of their lymphedema, while others were not. There may be many explanations for this phenomenon, the main being the extent of the damage to the lymphatic system. If various vessels have been damaged and/or there is irreversible damage to the heart and kidneys, the lymphedema may be permanent. In cases where the damage is minimal, lymphedema is reversible. It must also be noted that in most scientific studies done on obesity and lymphedema, lymphatic drainage massage hasn’t been used as a treatment for the lymphedema. Lymphatic drainage massage has been extensively researched after its creation by doctors on various forms of lymphedema with an extremely high success rate.

How can lymphatic drainage massage help?

Lymphatic drainage massage just on its own will help to boost the lymphatic system. At rest, a healthy person’s lymphatic system will pump at an average of 14 beats per minute, an unhealthy person will have an average pump rhythm of 7 beats per minute. Lymphatic drainage massage will help to boost the system to 30-34 beats per minute. The human body has a unique ability to build, repair and compensate. The massage therapist will use this ability during the lymphatic drainage massage sessions to propel the fluid to other vessels, thus forcing the creation of new lymphatic vessels. After each treatment, the therapist will wrap the area with compressive bandages to prevent the fluid from setting in again. It is important to note that without the necessary lifestyle changes, lymphedema will be very difficult to treat in the presence of obesity.

What can you do to prevent and treat lymphedema?

• Start a lymphatic drainage massage treatment plan
• Eat healthier
• Start an exercise regimen
• Try to move as often as possible
• Limit salt intake
• Drink adequate amounts of water
• Use a CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea
• Avoid clothes with very tight bands around the waist