Ten questions about typical signs and your waist-to-height ratio give a first orientation. Whether lipoedema is present, we clarify in the examination at Klinik am Seestern in Düsseldorf.
Lipoedema self-test: ten questions about typical signs
Lipoedema shows itself in a pattern of symptoms and features. Answer the ten questions with yes or no; at the end you will see how many of the typical signs apply to you.
Lipoedema self-test
Could it be lipoedema?
10 questions, about 2 minutes. Your answers stay in your browser.
01Are your legs or arms noticeably more heavily built in proportion to your upper body, so that the top and bottom feel like two clothing sizes apart?
02Are the right and left sides affected in essentially the same way?
03Do your hands and feet stay slim at the same time?
04Does the tissue on your legs or arms hurt when pressed or touched, for example when you cross your legs?
05Do you get bruises even from light knocks?
06Do your legs become heavy over the course of the day and feel tight?
07Have diets and exercise worked on your upper body, but barely changed anything on your legs or arms?
08Do the symptoms get worse with warmth, after standing for a long time or sitting for a long time?
09Did the changes begin during a time of hormonal change, for example in puberty, during a pregnancy or in the menopause?
10Do women in your family have similar legs or a diagnosis of lipoedema?
The test does not replace a medical examination. Whether lipoedema is present is clarified by the examination by a doctor.
The test does not replace an examination. Individual signs such as bruises also occur without lipoedema, and lymphoedema or vein problems can cause similar symptoms. You can read what stages 1, 2 and 3 describe under Lipoedema symptoms and stages.
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WHtR calculator: your waist-to-height ratio
In lipoedema, the increased fatty tissue sits mainly on the legs and arms, not on the abdomen. The BMI does not recognise this distribution and classifies many patients as overweight. The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), on the other hand, shows whether the weight sits on the abdomen, and with a BMI between 32 and 35 it helps decide whether German statutory health insurance can cover liposuction.
WHtR calculator
Your waist-to-height ratio
Waist circumference divided by height. With weight and age, the calculator also shows where you stand in relation to the limits of German statutory health insurance.
The calculator is for guidance and does not replace a medical examination.
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How to measure correctly
Waist circumference
Measure halfway between the lower edge of the rib cage and the upper edge of the pelvic bone, relaxed and without pulling in your stomach, preferably in the morning before breakfast.
Height
Your height standing up, without shoes. The WHtR is then simply waist circumference divided by height.
Weight and age
Both details are optional. The calculator works out your BMI from the weight and the WHtR limit of German statutory health insurance from the age.
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What the WHtR means for German statutory health insurance
Since October 2025, German statutory health insurance can cover liposuction for lipoedema at all stages. The operation is then usually performed at the Weight Doctors’ Nationalklinik in Wertheim; consultation and aftercare remain in Düsseldorf. What role the WHtR plays in this depends on the BMI:
BMI under 32
The BMI is no obstacle to a service covered by German statutory health insurance. The other requirements count: a confirmed diagnosis, at least 6 months of conservative therapy and no weight gain during this time.
BMI 32 to 35
The WHtR must not exceed the limit for your age: 0.50 up to age 40, 0.60 from age 50, and in between 0.01 more per year of age. A low value shows that the weight does not sit mainly on the abdomen.
BMI over 35
Liposuction is then not possible as a service covered by German statutory health insurance; treatment of the excess weight comes first. We also advise you on this at Klinik am Seestern in Düsseldorf, for example on weight loss with medical support.
With a BMI between 32 and 35, the WHtR must not lie above this line. Below the line is the range in which this requirement of German statutory health insurance is met.
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After the test: examination in Düsseldorf
Whether lipoedema is present, and at which stage, is clarified by the examination. At Klinik am Seestern in Düsseldorf we talk about your symptoms and previous treatments, examine and measure the legs and arms and discuss whether lipoedema surgery is an option for you. You book the consultation online as a patient with German statutory health insurance, as a self-pay patient or still undecided.
For the examination you come to Lörick on the left bank of the Rhine: the clinic is in the Am Seestern office district, not far from the B7. The U77 takes you from the main station to the Am Seestern stop without a change, and those who come by car park free of charge on the grounds, whether from the city centre, from Meerbusch or from Neuss.
The self-test asks about typical signs and gives a first orientation; it is not a diagnosis. Individual signs such as bruises also occur without lipoedema, and other conditions such as lymphoedema can look similar. Whether lipoedema is present is clarified by the medical examination.
What is the WHtR and how is it calculated?
The WHtR (waist-to-height ratio) is the ratio of waist circumference to height. You divide the waist circumference by the height, both in centimetres. With a waist of 85 cm and a height of 168 cm, the WHtR is about 0.51.
Why does the WHtR tell you more than the BMI in lipoedema?
In lipoedema, the increased fatty tissue sits mainly on the legs and arms, not on the abdomen. The BMI only uses weight and height and therefore classifies many patients as overweight. The WHtR shows whether the weight sits on the abdomen.
Which WHtR limit applies for German statutory health insurance?
It counts with a BMI between 32 and 35. Up to the age of 40 the WHtR must not exceed 0.50; after that the limit rises by 0.01 per year of age, and from age 50 it is 0.60. With a BMI under 32 the WHtR plays no role for German statutory health insurance; with a BMI over 35 liposuction is not covered by health insurance.
Are my answers saved or sent?
No. The self-test and calculator run in your browser; your answers, measurements and results are neither saved nor sent to us. Only when you book an appointment do we learn what your concern is.
Where in Düsseldorf can I have my result discussed?
In the consultation at Klinik am Seestern, Am Seestern 4 in Düsseldorf-Lörick. You are welcome to bring your result and your measurements; we will examine you and put both into context. The U77 runs from the main station right to the door, and parking spaces on the grounds are free of charge.
What does lipoedema surgery cost in Düsseldorf?
What lipoedema surgery costs in Düsseldorf depends on how many parts of the body are treated and how extensive the liposuction is. Since October 2025, German statutory health insurance can cover liposuction at any stage, provided the requirements are met. The operation is then usually performed at the Weight Doctors’ Nationalklinik in Wertheim; consultation and aftercare remain in Düsseldorf. As a self-pay patient you receive a personal treatment quote after the consultation. Explained in detail in the article Costs, German health insurance and financing.
I am a lipoedema and lymphoedema patient and have been trying to find help for about 10 years. Here it was no problem at all! I was called in quickly, was well looked after, my questions were answered very professionally, and I was able to leave the practice in tears of joy! Many thanks for the support so far.
Alina · October 2026
The friendliness of everyone I dealt with.
Anonymous · July 2026
I had my appointment at the practice for a consultation about my lipoedema, and I really want to leave a review even though I haven't had any surgery there yet. The reason is that this was the first time I felt truly taken seriously during an examination of my lipoedema. Dr. Witt was very friendly and professional from the start, and at the same time incredibly pleasant and humane. He took an exceptional amount of time, examined me very thoroughly and answered all my questions in detail. He is incredibly respectful and explains realistically what could be done and how the whole process would work. I found it particularly positive that at no point did a hectic or unpleasant mood arise. You never had the feeling of being “brushed off” or being under time pressure. Instead, the whole atmosphere was calm, relaxed and trusting. Dr. Witt was very committed, photos were taken of the affected areas and every possible treatment was explained in an understandable way. Dr. Witt explained everything in detail, yet never came across as complicated or distant. Although he is an absolute specialist in his field, I felt at all times that I could speak openly and ask any question. It felt more as if I had been a patient there for a long time. It was also particularly important to me that I never felt pushed towards an operation. It is still not at all clear whether I will have my operation at all, and yet I was taken incredibly seriously and treated with respect. That is exactly what built so much trust in me. I would also very much like to mention the lady at reception, Marris, in a positive way. She was super polite, had a very pleasant and calm manner and immediately gave me a good feeling. Although it was almost 5 p.m. and the end of the working day was approaching, she was incredibly friendly to me and did not seem at all annoyed or stressed. It is precisely such little things that make a huge difference to me personally and reinforced my positive overall impression of the practice. The practice itself is also absolutely impressive. It is extremely modern, high-quality and stylishly furnished. You feel more as if you are entering a luxury hotel than a traditional doctor's practice. Everything seems very well thought out, calm and professional. The organisation around the appointment was also excellent. Even before the appointment, communication was always very friendly, quick and professional. Questions were answered immediately and the whole process seemed perfectly organised. I was also allowed to park in the clinic's car park, which was an enormous relief since everything in the area was completely full. Although it was already later in the afternoon, Dr. Witt even personally saw to it that enquiries were made internally about my question regarding costs. Shortly after I had left the practice, I already received all the information by email. That too simply shows how professionally and attentively they work there. Overall, an exceptionally positive experience, of a kind you unfortunately only rarely have in the medical field. Absolutely fabulous.
Kerasoula P. · June 2026
Very beautiful clinic, wonderful reception and great service. The consultation with the doctor was very comprehensive and she addressed all my questions, which is all you could wish for as a patient / customer. I will definitely have my treatment done here.
Sandra W. · April 2026
Dr. Bromba took the time and advised me very well.
Anonymous · April 2026
A very kind doctor. I felt very comfortable from the first moment!
Elisabeth-katrin · March 2026
Everything was great, just one small remark..... I didn't get any dinner/bread in the evening. The most important thing for me was the operation, or rather everything around it.
Mix · February 2026
I was welcomed and advised incredibly kindly. The consultation takes place on an equal footing and without medical jargon, and what I like best is that they paid attention to what the best treatment is for my concern, and not to what would earn the practice the most money. I took a week to think it over, but actually the decision to choose the clinic was made much sooner.
Anonymous · January 2026
Everyone was very friendly, especially the nurses.
Anonymous · October 2025
I had a consultation and felt taken seriously and understood. They took a lot of time for me, and the examination and the conversation were very thorough. In the end, the treatment is too expensive for me, so I won't be able to have it done.
Anonymous · October 2025
Very competent and friendly consultation.
Anonymous · October 2025
Very competent consultation, super friendly staff!
Anonymous · September 2025
Medical assistant with partly insufficient professional competence.
Andreas M. · August 2025
Very competent consultation and medical examinations. I feel very well looked after.
BrigitteM · August 2025
I really liked the super friendly manner of the ladies at reception, and also that the doctor took the time to see and advise me, as well as the nice lady who went through the cost plan with me. I felt wonderfully looked after and will definitely have my treatment there. Thank you once again for everything so far.
Astrid R. · August 2025
A conversation in peace and without time pressure. I felt very well looked after.
Anonymous · August 2025
I was welcomed very nicely. The doctor was also very nice and answered all my questions. She also showed understanding that one does not decide straight away.
Anonymous · July 2025
Dr. Bromba's calm, matter-of-fact manner and his competence really convinced me during the consultation.
