A disturbance of lipid (fat) metabolism that involves the partial, or total, absence of fat and often the abnormal deposition and distribution of fat in the body.

There are a number of different lipodystrophy syndromes. Some of them are present at birth (congenital) while others are acquired later. Some are genetic (inherited), others are not.

One lipodystrophy syndrome appears associated with the protease inhibitor drugs (preventing the production of new infectious viral articles) used in the treatment of AIDS.

In this lipodystrophy syndrome, the face, arms and legs become thin due to loss of subcutaneous fat. The skin becomes dry, the lips crack, and weight drops.