Lipodystrophy
A group of rare disorders causing abnormal fat distribution and severe metabolic complications from impaired fat storage.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Lipodystrophy refers to a group of conditions where the body has trouble storing fat normally, either losing fat from certain areas or accumulating too much in others. This abnormal fat distribution can cause severe metabolic problems including insulin resistance and fatty liver disease, even in people who are not overweight. Though rare, understanding lipodystrophy helps doctors better treat patients with unusual weight distribution patterns.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Lipodystrophy encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by partial or complete loss of adipose tissue, which may be genetic (congenital) or acquired (e.g., HIV-associated, autoimmune). Paradoxically, the inability to store triglycerides in subcutaneous adipose tissue leads to ectopic fat deposition in the liver, muscle, and pancreas, resulting in severe insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Leptin replacement therapy (metreleptin) is an approved treatment for generalised forms.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
While rare, recognising lipodystrophy can explain treatment-resistant metabolic abnormalities and guide appropriate therapy. The Accord Medical Clinic team, led by Dr. Joseph Wang, evaluates unusual weight distribution patterns as part of a thorough metabolic workup.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.