Approach to the Patient With Lipodystrophy.

Review article

“In this article, we provide an overview of the etiology and management of generalized and partial lipodystrophy disorders.”

Patients with generalized or partial lipodystrophy disorders

“Lipodystrophy constitutes a spectrum of diseases characterized by a generalized or partial absence of adipose tissue.”

Fat deficiency in lipodystrophy leads to metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia

“fat deficiency in lipodystrophy typically leads to profound metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and ectopic fat accumulation.”

Lipodystrophy is more prevalent than previously thought, suggesting underdiagnosis

“recent genetic studies indicate that lipodystrophy is more prevalent than has been previously thought, suggesting considerable underdiagnosis in clinical practice.”

Study of lipodystrophy can inform knowledge of common disorders of adipose tissue overload

“insights gained through the study of this rare and extreme phenotype can inform our knowledge of more common disorders of adipose tissue overload, including generalized obesity.”