Would a large varicose vein on the side of my leg get better with weight loss? Would it disappear or get smaller?
In general, weight gain or loss can affect the appearance of varicose veins or the presence of vein disease (venous insufficiency). Weight gain is a risk factor for the development of varicose veins. Following weight loss, I have seen varicose vein become more visible, prominent and bulgy due to the loss of fat tissue in the area.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Hi, and thank you for your question!
Unfortunately, varicose veins that are already present will not be eliminated with conservative vein treatment. On the other hand, the appearance of new varicose veins can be slowed down and/or avoided as well as progression or complications of underlying venous insufficiency by managing your care with conservative methods such as avoiding prolonged standing, leg elevation technique, exercise, weight loss, and medical-grade compression stockings.
I recommend you see a vein specialist to be evaluated for proper treatment plan options for the underlying cause of your varicose veins as well as treating existent varicose veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
With weight loss the vein may get smaller if the venous pressure is decreased. However, you should have a venous reflux exam to fine the source or the varicose vein and treat that.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Weight loss can decrease the venous pressures in the veins of your legs. It can result in some varicose veins symptoms improving because of lower venous pressures within the veins but it can not cause them to disappear. While lower extremity varicose veins may not resolve, the lower pressure may result in less pain, tenderness, swelling, and slower progression of disease.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
While many studies suggest a correlation between obesity and varicose veins, not all studies do. Usually, if you have a large varicose vein, it will remain despite weight loss, but could be easily treated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Obesity does cause the pressure in the abdomen to increase which then compresses the large veins in the abdomen and pelvis. In order for the blood to pass from the veins of the pelvis and abdomen on the way back to the heart, the venous pressure in the legs must be higher in an obese person than in the person with normal abdominal fat.
Weight loss can decrease the venous pressures in the legs and can result in some varicose veins improving because of lower venous pressures within the veins. While lower extremity varicose veins may not resolve, the lower pressure may result in less pain, tenderness, swelling, and slower progression of disease.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It may become less noticeable and may decrease your pain and other symptoms, but it most likely wont go away completely.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
With significnat weight loss you might see a reduction in the size albeit minor. The varicose veins with not resolve just with weight loss alone.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Weight loss will help slow the progression of developing more varicosities, but it will do nothing for the varicosities you currently have.
Published on Jul 11, 2012