Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) is a genetic form of partial lipodystrophy (PL) that is characterized by deficiency of subcutaneous body fat (the fatty tissue layer that lies directly under the skin) in a partial fashion. Individuals with FPLD often have reduced subcutaneous fat in the arms and legs, and the head and torso regions may or may not have loss of fat. Conversely, individuals with FPLD may also have excess subcutaneous fat accumulation in other areas of the body, especially the neck, face, and intra-abdominal regions. The prevalence of FPLD is not well understood, and it is possible that the disease may be underdiagnosed.