A newly published study now suggests that above a certain BMI lymphedema may become a certainty, and weight-loss may not always reverse it.
In a small 2012 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine researchers found that all patients above a BMI of 59 had insufficient lymphatic flow in the lower extremities, characteristic of lymphedema.
The authors examined 51 patients with a BMI over 30, and with no other preexisting condition or risk-factor associated with lymphedema. All patients with a BMI over 60 had an abnormal lymphoscintigram (a test for lymph flow) characteristic of lymphedema, while all patients with a BMI under 50 had a normal lymphoscintigram. This suggests that there may be a threshold of 50-60 BMI, above which lymphedema becomes a certainty.
IF I REDUCE MY WEIGHT, WILL MY LOWER EXTREMITY LYMPHEDEMA GO AWAY?
From my own perspective as a clinician who has worked with overweight patients, as well as considered the underlying physiology of the lymphatic system, it seems probable that lymphedema would subside in those patients where the underlying lymphatic architecture has not (yet) been irreparably damaged. It also seems reasonable to assume that the sooner a patient can reduce their weight, the greater the chances of a full recovery. Unfortunately, if sufficient permanent damage to the lymphatic system has taken place, life-long lymphedema management will be required
