Adiposis

Adiposis is a term used in medical language to describe the presence or deposition of fat in adipose tissue. It is not a single, well-defined disease, but rather a broad concept that appears in various contexts to denote fat accumulation or distribution abnormalities. In contemporary clinical use, adiposis as a standalone diagnosis is uncommon; more precise terms such as obesity, lipomatosis, lipedema, or lipodystrophy are typically applied depending on the pattern and cause of fat gain or loss.

In general, adipose tissue expands when energy intake exceeds expenditure, leading to adipocyte enlargement (hypertrophy) and, in some cases, an increase in adipocyte number (hyperplasia). Hormonal factors (such as insulin and leptin), genetics, inflammation, and metabolic state contribute to the rate and location of fat accumulation. Obesity, the most common context for adiposis-related discussions, is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Conditions related to adiposis include:

- Lipomatosis, characterized by multiple benign fatty tumors or diffuse fat overgrowth.

- Lipedema, involving painful, symmetrical fat accumulation in the legs and sometimes arms.

- Lipodystrophy, in which adipose tissue is abnormally distributed or lost.

Diagnosis typically relies on clinical evaluation and imaging when warranted, with attention to fat distribution, metabolic health, and exclusion of other disorders. Treatment targets the underlying condition and may include lifestyle modification, weight-management strategies, medications for obesity, or specialized approaches for conditions like lipedema or lipodystrophy. Pain management and surgical options may be considered in select cases of adiposis dolorosa (Dercum’s disease), though results vary.