Comparison of Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Atherogenic Indices Between Patients With Lipedema and Obese Controls

Comparison of Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Atherogenic Indices Between Patients With Lipedema and Obese Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study

Women aged 18-75 years with a clinical diagnosis of lipedema and an obese control group will be included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical data (age, height, weight, medications, etc.) of the participants will be recorded. For laboratory evaluation, fasting blood test results obtained within the last three months (including fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides) will be used. Based on these parameters, metabolic and atherogenic risk indicators such as the Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG), TyG-BMI, Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Atherogenic Coefficient (AC), Castelli Risk Index I (CRI-I), and Castelli Risk Index II (CRI-II) will be calculated. No additional biochemical tests will be collected from participants; analyses will be performed using existing laboratory results.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically diagnosed with lipedema
• Obese control group with BMI ≥30 kg/m² who do not meet lipedema criteria
• Aged between 18 and 75 years
• Availability of fasting lipid profile and fasting glucose tests within the past 3 months
• Provided voluntary informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of medications that routinely affect lipid or glucose metabolism: statins, fibrates, niacin, ezetimibe, high-dose omega-3 supplements, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, or systemic corticosteroids (regular use within the past 3 months)
• Presence of rheumatologic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) or active malignancy
• Neurological disorders (e.g., polyneuropathy, multiple sclerosis, history of stroke)
• Pregnancy or lactation
• History of lower extremity surgery or major trauma within the past 6 months
• Received injection therapy or physical therapy for the lower extremities within the past 6 months
• Active infection or dermatological disease affecting the lower extremities
• History of significant venous insufficiency or acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Smoking