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 Too often, women searching for answers are met with misinformation — repeated misconceptions based on outdated science, and contradictory advice, sometimes leading to costly and ineffective treatment.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"
Myth: Lipedema is a lymphatic disorder
Truth: Lipedema is not a disorder of the lymphatic system.
Myth: "Lipedema is a progressive disease"
Myth: Lipedema is a progressive disease
Truth: Lipedema is not inherently progressive — disease progression depends on other factors.
Myth: "Lipedema causes weight gain"
Myth: Lipedema is responsible for weight gain
Truth: Lipedema is not responsible for weight gain.
Myth: "Weight loss has no impact on lipedema"
Coming soon, stay tuned!
EVENTS
ILF Conference 2025
At ILF 2025, ILA hosted 4 well-attended Lipoedema Sessions for healthcare professionals on diagnostics and treatment of lipoedema syndrome. New: ILA held 2 Lipoedema Sessions for patients, at which experts gave presentations on topics that had been selected in advance by patient representatives.
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.
RESOURCE LIBRARY
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Strategy and vision
Our vision is to improve the quality of life among people affected by lipoedema globally, by providing holistic, evidence-based treatment according to their individual needs.
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