Comparison of the triglyceride–glucose index and atherogenic indices in patients with lipedema and obese controls: A cross-sectional study

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare metabolic status and biochemical indices associated with cardiovascular risk, including the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, triglyceride–glucose–body mass index (TyG-BMI), and atherogenic lipid indices, between obese individuals with and without lipedema, and to evaluate the potential effect of lipedema on these parameters. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 70 obese patients diagnosed with lipedema and 70 obese control individuals without lipedema. Fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were recorded. Based on these parameters, the TyG index, TyG-BMI, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC), and Castelli risk indices I (CRI-I) and II (CRI-II) were calculated. Results No significant differences were observed between the lipedema and control groups in fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride levels, TyG, TyG-BMI, or atherogenic lipid indices (all p > .05). LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the lipedema group compared with the control group ( p = .008). In the lipedema group, TyG-BMI showed a positive correlation with age and BMI, whereas no significant associations were found with symptom duration or pain severity. Conclusion Although LDL-cholesterol levels were lower in obese individuals with lipedema, this difference was not reflected in biochemical indices associated with metabolic status and cardiovascular risk. Importantly, metabolic parameters in patients with lipedema accompanied by obesity were comparable to those observed in individuals with obesity alone, suggesting that obesity rather than lipedema may be a more important determinant of metabolic risk in this population. Therefore, metabolic evaluation should not be overlooked in patients with lipedema, and the management of obesity should be considered in treatment planning.