NEW CAMPAIGN
Dispelling 8 Myths About Lipedema
Living with lipedema can be confusing, frustrating, and at times overwhelming. Too often, women searching for answers are met with misinformation — repeated misconceptions based on outdated science, and contradictory advice, sometimes leading to costly and ineffective treatment.
The International Lipedema Association (ILA) has launched the awareness campaign “Dispelling 8 Myths About Lipedema”, a series of eight videos featuring experts from the ILA Board who address and dispel common myths about lipedema to provide clarity.
Myth: "There is edema in lipedema"
Myth: There is edema in lipedema
Truth: Lipedema is not an edema or lymphatic disorder.
Myth: "Lipedema causes easy bruising"
Myth: Lipedema causes easy bruising
Truth: If you have easy bruising, it is most likely not caused by lipedema.
Myth: "Lipedema occurs on the abdomen"
Myth: Lipedema occurs on the abdomen
Truth: Lipedema occurs exclusively in the extremities—not the trunk, head, or neck.
Myth: "Lipedema is a common disease"
Myth: Lipedema is a common disease
Truth: The true prevalence of lipedema is unknown.
Myth: "Lipedema is a lymphatic disorder"
Coming soon, stay tuned!
Myth: "Lipedema is a progressive disease"
Coming soon, stay tuned!
Myth: "Lipedema causes weight gain"
Coming soon, stay tuned!
Myth: "Weight loss has no impact on lipedema"
Coming soon, stay tuned!
International Consensus on Lipoedema/Guidelines
What is the definition of lipoedema?
Lipoedema-Syndrome is a chronic condition in women characterized by two main criteria:
- Disproportionate increase in adipose tissue in the legs (sometimes in the arms)
Plus
- Pain and/or tender to touch the adipose tissue
This means: Adipose legs without any complaints cannot be diagnosed as lipoedema.
In addition to these major symptoms the vast majority of patients with lipoedema also suffer from:
- Overweight and obesity (which is a chronic disease independent from lipoedema)
- Reduced physical fitness
- Mental issues like e.g. chronic stress syndrome, depression, or eating disorders
- Lack of self-acceptance because of current beauty ideal
Comprehensive treatment of lipoedema should therefore take into account all those aspects which are not as immediately obvious as the observable changes and reported symptoms. Appropriate to this clinical complexity, an interdisciplinary and holistic therapeutic approach has to be provided. This should include physio- and movement therapy, compression therapy, psychosocial therapy, weight management, liposuction in selected cases, and self-management.
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