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<p>Leslyn Keith, OTD, CLT-LANA<br>President, Lipedema Project<br>Director of Research</p>



<p>Lipedema (made up of <em>lip</em> meaning fat, and <em>edema</em> or swelling) is a disproportionate deposition of fat and fluid on the lower half of the body that can give the appearance of a lower body completely incongruent from the upper half. Often confused with simple obesity, lipedema affects women almost exclusively. </p>



<p>In fact, as many as <strong>17 million women in the US and over 350 million women worldwide</strong> may have this disfiguring condition and may not even know it.</p>



<p>Even more startling is that most people, including the women themselves, would place the blame on out-of-control eating and a lack of exercise, or other lifestyle choices, and not a medical condition. </p>



<p>Women with lipedema are typically members of a not-so-exclusive club of “lifelong dieters” and have often faced anti-fat bias and stigma early in life due to their apparent inability to “control themselves.” After decades of failed weight loss attempts, many women have understandably given up. </p>



<p>Although very low-calorie, low-fat diets would reduce the size of their upper body, not even the addition of intense physical exercise would have any appreciable effect on lower body fat, making the disproportion even worse.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is Lipedema? </h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="https://old.ketochow.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LipiImage1.jpg" alt="Stages of Lipedema" width="512" height="260"/></figure></div>



<p>Although lipedema shares some characteristics with obesity (which can often occur alongside this condition), lipedema is a disease with a distinct presentation and pathology all its own. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Symptoms of lipedema include:</h3>



<ul><li>Symmetrical maldistribution of lower body fat, with the feet unaffected, that may also include the upper arms</li><li>Appearance of an “ankle cuff” as the fat deposits abruptly end just above the ankle</li><li>Hypersensitivity to pressure and pain in areas of fat deposition</li><li>Bruising with little or no evident trauma</li><li>Grainy feel to fatty tissue due to nodules that can be sand grain or larger size</li><li>Corrugated or “mattress-like” appearance of skin</li><li>Progression, with increasing weight, fat deposition, pain and swelling, if not managed</li><li>Reduced quality of life due to immobility, isolation, and depression</li></ul>



<p>Onset and exacerbation of this condition are little understood. The first appearance of lipedema symptoms seems to typically coincide with periods of hormonal change in a woman’s life, such as puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause, suggesting a connection to female sex hormones. </p>



<p>Commonly, but not always, many women in a family will share symptoms of lipedema, suggesting possible genetic underpinnings. Onset of lipedema symptoms has also been associated with major trauma or surgery (especially gynecological surgery).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Diagnosis</strong></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://old.ketochow.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LipiImage2-1.gif" alt="Stages of Lipedema"/></figure></div>



<p>There are no blood tests or imaging procedures that can clearly identify and lead to the diagnosis of lipedema. Currently, the diagnosis can only be arrived at by a skilled clinician who recognizes and understands the condition. Take a look at the&nbsp;<a href="https://lipedemaproject.org/lipedema-lipoedema-lipodem-provider-directory/">Lipedema Project Provider Directory</a>&nbsp;to find such a knowledgeable clinician.</p>



<h2 class="has-text-align-left wp-block-heading"><strong>Treatment</strong></h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://info.ketochow.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/national-cancer-institute-DK-4VWK1tw-unsplash-scaled.jpg" alt="physician talking with patient" class="wp-image-61999" width="750" height="500" srcset="https://wp.ketochow.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/national-cancer-institute-DK-4VWK1tw-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2000w, https://wp.ketochow.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/national-cancer-institute-DK-4VWK1tw-unsplash-scaled-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.ketochow.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/national-cancer-institute-DK-4VWK1tw-unsplash-scaled-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://wp.ketochow.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/national-cancer-institute-DK-4VWK1tw-unsplash-scaled-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure></div>



<p>While a bonafide diagnosis from a physician is welcome, it is not always necessary for gaining access to treatment for lipedema, unless a surgical option is desired. Conservative treatment includes:</p>



<ul><li>Manual Lymph Drainage (specialized massage to encourage lymph flow)</li><li>Compression Therapy (bandaging, compression stockings)</li><li>Decongestive Exercises, including deep breathing</li><li>Skin Care Practices</li><li>Nutrition</li><li>Psycho-social care</li></ul>



<p>Other noninvasive treatments may include the use of a pneumatic compression pump (a mechanical massage of tissues), vibration, rebounding, dry brushing and more.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A certified lymphedema therapist (lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system) is also trained in the proper treatment of lipedema.&nbsp; To find a certified therapist, consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://klosetraining.com/therapist-directory/">Klose Training Therapist Directory</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nutrition &amp; Diet</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://old.ketochow.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LipiImage3.jpg" alt="Stages of Lipedema" width="900" height="449"/></figure>



<p>Treatment has traditionally focused on symptom management and hopefully halting the progression of lipedema. Ever since this condition was first described by physicians at the Mayo Clinic in 1940, however, there has been a strongly held belief that lipedema is impervious to weight loss diets and exercise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, however, we are coming to understand differently. Many women with lipedema are now experimenting with carbohydrate restriction and seeing amazing results.  Although women with lipedema are very concerned about weight management and reducing lower body fat, the benefits of a ketogenic diet modified for lipedema don’t stop there. </p>



<p>Women regularly post in Facebook groups about reduction or complete resolution of pain and swelling, increased energy, and lifting of “brain fog” (sometimes within weeks of adopting a ketogenic diet) along with never-before-experienced shrinking of their lower body. </p>



<p>© 2021. Lipedema Simplified. All rights reserved. Used with permission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Learn More</strong></h2>



<p>Documentary –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lipedemasimplified/videos/1158031244376405"><em>The Disease They Call FAT</em></a><em>&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>The Lipedema Project&nbsp;<a href="https://lipedemaproject.org/">https://lipedemaproject.org/</a></p>



<p>Lipedema Simplified&nbsp;<a href="https://lipedema-simplified.org/">https://lipedema-simplified.org/</a></p>



<p>Facebook groups:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LipedemaKetoWOE">Keto Lifestyle for Lipedema</a></p>



<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LipedemaSupport/">Lipedema/Lipoedema Simplified Support</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://lipedema-simplified.org/ketogenic-solution-for-lipedema-lymphedema-mini-symposium-2021/">Ketogenic Solution for Lipedema &amp; Lymphedema Symposiums</a>&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.dietdoctor.com/can-a-ketogenic-diet-help-lipedema">Can a ketogenic diet help lipedema?</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720333260">Ketogenic diet as a potential intervention for lipedema</a></p>
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Lipedema: The Disease They Call FAT

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