The exact cause of FML is not yet known, but there are several theories of different causes: *Hormonal disorder due to the body's inability to properly metabolize fat *Increase in fat cells (adipocytes) *Enzymatic defect or a change in the surface of the cells that could prevent the breakdown of fat *Poor lymphatic drainage *Defective regulation of mitochondria in brown fat. Brown fat is responsible for causing heat in times of stress or cold. For general callus tissue is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system and this response is mediated by a substance called norepinephrine. This process occurs in the mitochondria *In most families, the mode of inheritance has not been determined. However, changes (mutations) in mitochondrial DNA that involve the MT-TK gene have been identified in some families who have the disease and other conditions that affect many different body systems.
Familial multiple lipomatosis
Ollier disease
Familial partial lipodystrophy
Alder–Reilly anomaly
Familial progressive hyperpigmentation
Congenital generalized lipodystrophy
Van Den Bosch syndrome
Aagenaes syndrome