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    Why is my lower body so much bigger than my upper body?

    Lots of women are naturally pear-shaped. A very clear difference, where you might wear a much bigger size on the bottom than on top, is one of the things doctors look at when they think about lipedema.

    Common reasons

    Natural body shape

    Where your body stores fat is partly inherited.

    Lipedema (lipoedema)

    A long-term condition that mostly affects women, where fat builds up evenly on both legs and hips, sometimes the arms, but usually not the feet. Legs can feel heavy, tender or painful and may bruise easily.

    Source: NHS: Lipoedema

    Could it be lipedema?

    The NHS says lipedema can make the bottom, thighs and lower legs look out of proportion with the rest of the body, and that in early stages you may have bigger legs, a narrow waist and a much smaller upper body. Common signs listed by the NHS include both legs being affected in the same way, feet usually staying slim, skin that feels soft and cool or dimpled, bruising easily, and heaviness or tenderness that can get worse later in the day or in hot weather.

    See how many lipedema signs your legs share in the leg check →

    Start a leg diary before your appointment

    Doctors often ask when it started, when it is worse and what seems to make a difference. A few weeks of notes turn “it’s just bad sometimes” into something you can show. Worth writing down:

    • Your clothing sizes top and bottom
    • Measurements at hips, thighs and calves, monthly
    • How heavy or tender your legs feel
    • Whether your feet stay slim

    How Renya helps

    Renya is a daily diary for your legs. Rate how your legs feel morning and evening, snap your meals, tick off habits like a walk or compression socks, and add sleep, stress and your cycle.

    After about a week of entries, Your patterns shows how food, sleep, activity and stress line up with your better and harder leg days; cycle patterns need about two cycles. You see your own patterns side by side, and you have a clear record to bring to your doctor. Renya does not diagnose anything.

    Start your leg diaryOr take the 2-minute leg check

    iPhone subscription app. 7-day free trial on the annual plan.

    Get help the same day if

    • one leg is suddenly swollen, or has throbbing pain, usually in the calf or thigh
    • the skin around the painful area is red, darkened or warm
    • swelling is severe, painful, starts very suddenly or follows an injury
    • you also have swelling in your face or tummy, or a high temperature

    Call emergency services if leg pain or swelling comes with breathlessness or chest pain.

    Based on NHS: DVT and NHS: oedema.

    Questions people ask

    No. Many pear-shaped women do not have lipedema. Doctors look at shape together with other signs such as tenderness, bruising and slim feet.

    Finding a doctor who knows lipedema

    A GP or family doctor is a good first step. Lipedema is still not widely known, so many women also look for a clinician who lists it in their work. These organisations keep directories or support networks:

    Renya is not connected to these organisations and does not recommend individual clinicians.

    Related

    Sources

    Written by the Renya team from NHS and other public sources listed above.

    This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Renya is a wellness diary and does not diagnose or treat any condition. If you are worried about your legs, talk to a doctor.

    See your own leg patterns

    Check in on your legs, snap your meals and see what lines up with your harder days. iPhone subscription app. Android coming soon.

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