Guide To Treating Lipodystrophy

While some individuals are doing all they can to lose excessive fat tissue, there are others who cannot store fat at all. Lipodystrophy is a rare condition in which the body is unable to store and process fat effectively. Fat loss can occur throughout the entire body, or it may be localized to a specific region. Lipodystrophy can be inherited or acquired, often triggered by an autoimmune disorder. Lack of fat tissue within the body can lead to metabolic disorders. Fat cells are required to produce certain hormones that trigger hunger and satiety, as well as those that help the body use nutrients from food effectively. There are few options when it comes to treating this condition, however, there are some things patients can do to improve their overall health and well-being while working to maintain a healthy weight.

Follow A Low-Fat Diet

While it might seem consuming excessive calories or foods high in fat could be a good way to make the body store more fat, this is not the case for patients with lipodystrophy. While there is an uncontrolled loss of fat tissue in the body, fat may accumulate in specific regions of the body, such as the abdomen or back. This is because the body is unable to metabolize and use fat properly for fuel. Fat can accumulate in the bloodstream or around the organs, leading to further health problems. This makes it especially important to follow a low-fat diet and eat a variety of healthy foods.

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Exercise On A Regular Basis

Although individuals may have limited amounts of fat on their body, it is still important to exercise. Exercise can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and may prevent them from accumulating fat in unwanted areas, especially the abdominal region. Exercise will also help individuals keep their heart and lungs strong while helping them build muscle to keep up their body weight and bone mass. Both cardiovascular and strength training exercises have been shown to have a positive effect on patients with lipodystrophy. When individuals exercise on a regular basis, this can also help the body to better utilize the insulin produced by the body, helping them better control the metabolic troubles that can accompany lipodystrophy.

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Get Metreleptin Injections

Leptin is a hormone produced in fat cells to let the individual's body know whether they need to eat more or if there is enough fat stored in the body. This hormone also helps the body regulate how it uses and stores energy. Individuals with lipodystrophy cannot produce enough leptin, which can lead to an unhealthy metabolism. The body becomes unable to use glucose properly and has trouble using the insulin it does produce. Additionally, fat will not be stored properly and may build up in the bloodstream, leading to high cholesterol and triglycerides. Metreleptin is a human recombinant leptin analogue that can successfully be used to provide the necessary leptin to the body. Individuals who get metreleptin injections notice improvements in their metabolic condition as well as a reduction of excess lipids in the bloodstream.

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Control High Cholesterol And Triglycerides

Because lipodystrophy regularly leads to excessive fat buildup in the bloodstream, individuals with this condition must do all they can to control high cholesterol and triglycerides. Eating a healthy diet and exercising daily can help prevent the buildup of fat, including the prevention of excess cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood. Medications can also be used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Replacement leptin has also been shown to be effective at reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream as well as managing leptin levels in the body. Individuals should be sure to have their blood lipid levels checked regularly to prevent additional health problems from developing.

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Manage Blood Sugar

Because lipodystrophy can affect the way the body uses insulin and processes glucose, high blood sugar and diabetes are frequent complications that can occur as a part of this disease. Left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to additional problems that can affect the nerves and the major organs within the body. Certain medications may also increase blood sugar levels. Because a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet is often recommended for individuals with lipodystrophy, it is vitally important for them to manage their blood sugar. Individuals with lipodystrophy should make sure they get enough physical activity in their day, which has been shown to help keep blood sugar under control. If necessary, patients might be prescribed medications to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.