A lipoma is a common, benign soft tissue growth composed of mature fat cells that forms just beneath the skin. Individuals often wonder if diet and exercise can cause these lumps to shrink or disappear. This article explores the nature of lipomas, explains why weight loss does not affect them, and details the medical options available for their evaluation and removal.
What Exactly Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a rounded or oval mass of adipose tissue that develops slowly in the subcutaneous layer under the skin. They are the most frequently encountered soft tissue tumor in adults, typically appearing between the ages of 40 and 60. Common locations include the trunk, neck, back, arms, and thighs, though they can occur almost anywhere on the body.
When physically examined, a lipoma is typically soft, rubbery, and doughy to the touch. The lump is easily movable beneath the skin because it is not fixed to the underlying muscle tissue. While most lipomas are painless and small (generally less than two inches in diameter), some can grow larger and cause discomfort if they press against nerves or joints.
Why Weight Loss Does Not Cause Lipomas to Shrink
Unlike normal subcutaneous fat, the fat cells within a lipoma are metabolically distinct and do not readily respond to systemic weight loss. Lipomas are typically encapsulated by a thin, fibrous layer of tissue, which isolates the mass from the body’s normal metabolic processes. When a person enters a caloric deficit, the body draws energy from regular fat stores, but the lipoma remains unaffected.
The fat within the lipoma does not break down and release stored energy in the same way as normal body fat. Even with significant weight loss, the lipoma often maintains its size because the body does not “burn” this isolated fat. Losing surrounding body fat can sometimes make an existing lipoma feel more prominent because the surrounding tissue becomes thinner. This metabolic behavior is the primary reason why diet and exercise are not effective treatments for reducing the size of these growths.
Signs That Require a Doctor’s Evaluation
While lipomas are generally benign, any new lump should be professionally evaluated to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions. A healthcare provider can typically diagnose a lipoma through a physical examination. Imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be used if the lump is large or deep, or if the lipoma is causing a problem, warranting immediate medical consultation.
You should seek a doctor’s opinion if the lump exhibits rapid growth over a period of weeks, or if it becomes painful, tender, or inflamed. Other concerning features include a mass that feels hard, is immobile or fixed to the underlying tissue, or causes changes to the skin color over the top of the lump. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a different soft tissue tumor, such as the rare but malignant liposarcoma, which requires professional testing to distinguish.
Options for Lipoma Removal
Since lipomas do not shrink with weight loss, medical intervention is necessary if the lump is causing cosmetic concern, pain, or functional issues. The most definitive treatment for removal is surgical excision. This outpatient procedure involves making an incision to physically remove the entire lipoma, including its fibrous capsule, which minimizes the chance of recurrence.
Alternative, less invasive options are available, particularly for smaller lipomas. Liposuction involves using a thin cannula to suction the fatty tissue out through a small incision. However, this method may not remove the entire capsule, which increases the chance of recurrence. Corticosteroid injections can also be used to shrink the lump, though they typically only reduce the size by about 25 to 50 percent rather than eliminating it completely.