News
Advancing the Treatment of Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Syndrome: The 3rd International Földi Clinic Days
More than 450 participants. 27 countries. 6 continents..The 3rd International Földi Clinic Days were among the largest international conferences in lymphology, lymphoedema care, and the interdisciplinary treatment of lipoedema syndrome.
Among them were numerous ILA Board Members and Founding Members, reflecting how closely this event is tied to the mission of the International Lipoedema Association: connecting research and clinical practice, and bringing experts together across disciplines and borders to improve patient care worldwide.
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 Too often, women searching for answers are met with misinformation — repeated misconceptions based on outdated science, and contradictory advice, sometimes leading to costly and ineffective treatment.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"
Myth: Weight loss has no impact on lipedema
Truth: Weight loss cannot cure lipedema, but it can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
From the ILA President
“We stand for providing evidence-based information to support healthcare professionals and women with lipedema in achieving the best possible diagnosis and treatment.
We are committed to dispelling misinformation, and we encourage open dialogue that reflects diverse perspectives to move science forward.”
Gabriele Erbacher, ILA President.
RESOURCE LIBRARY
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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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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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