World Lipodystrophy Day

World Lipodystrophy Day is celebrated on March 31st, with the aim of raising awareness among the population about this rare pathology that affects the quality of life of patients. It has an incidence of 4.7 cases per million inhabitants.

Why is World Lipodystrophy Day celebrated?

The aim is to generate joint actions between the public and private sectors, civil society, and patient associations to promote research projects on lipodystrophies and other rare diseases. The creation of this commemoration in 2013 was at the initiative of the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS). It has the support and coordination of collaborative actions by organizations such as the Association of Relatives and Affected by Lipodystrophies (AELIP), Ibero-American Alliance of Rare Diseases (ALIBER), Spanish Lipodystrophies Society (SEL) and the European Consortium of Lipodystrophies (ECLIP).

What is Lipodystrophy?

Lipodystrophy is a rare or uncommon disease, characterized by abnormal changes in body fat distribution. This is due to the mutation of the gene encoding for the enzyme acyl-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, isoform 2 (agpat2), responsible for the biosynthesis of triglycerides.

The focal or general loss of adipose tissue or fat in various areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, and face, is called lipoatrophy. In contrast, the pathological accumulation of adipose tissue is known as lipohypertrophy. Lipodystrophies can generate aesthetic and metabolic complications, such as insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes mellitus, and fatty liver.

How is this world day celebrated?

In celebration of the World Lipodystrophy Day, buildings are illuminated in turquoise, in homage to all people suffering from this rare disease. Educational and awareness campaigns are carried out, as well as activities and events carried out by organizations and institutions linked to this rare pathology. Join your family and friends to celebrate this day by taking a photo of your hand making a gesture with the thumb and index finger of your left hand, forming an “L” (symbolizing the initial letter of the word lipodystrophy).

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