Let’s Talk About Lipedema: Understanding It, Managing It, and Knowing You’re Not Alone

June is Lipedema Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a condition that silently affects millions of women, yet is so often misdiagnosed or misunderstood.
As a certified lymphedema therapist, I have met countless women who have spent years wondering why their legs feel heavy, tender, and swollen, why diets and exercise don’t seem to help, and why no one seems to take them seriously when they say “Something just isn’t right”.
If you see yourself in these words, please know this: You are not alone. And there is support, understanding, and treatment that can truly help you feel more comfortable in your body and your life.

What Is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive condition that almost exclusively affects women. It causes an abnormal buildup of fat cells, most commonly in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes the arms. Unlike typical fat, lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise, and it often comes with pain, easy bruising, and swelling.
Many women first notice signs during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, times when hormones change dramatically. Lipedema is not caused by overeating or inactivity; it is a medical condition, and you did not cause it.

How Common Is Lipedema?

Studies suggest that up to 11% of women worldwide may have lipedema, yet awareness among healthcare providers is still too low. Many women are told to simply “lose weight” or are misdiagnosed with obesity or lymphedema alone.
This lack of understanding can lead to frustration, shame, and years of feeling unheard. My mission is to help change that narrative, because when we know better, we do better.

What Are the Signs of Lipedema?

One of the reasons lipedema often goes undiagnosed is that its symptoms are mistaken for ordinary weight gain or fluid retention. However, lipedema has some very specific signs :

• Symmetrical fat accumulation: Both legs (and sometimes arms) are affected evenly, creating a column-like or “tree trunk” shape. The feet and hands usually remain the same, causing a noticeable cuff or step between the swollen area and the unaffected parts.

• Tenderness and pain: The affected areas can be very sensitive to pressure, touch, or even a light bump. Some women describe it as a constant heaviness or aching.

• Easy bruising: Because the connective tissue is weaker, bruises appear easily and can be slow to heal.

• Swelling that worsens throughout the day: Although lipedema fat itself doesn’t respond to diuretics, fluid buildup can add to the discomfort. Some women develop secondary lymphedema (called lipo-lymphedema) over time.

• Disproportionate body shape: The upper body remains comparatively slim while the lower body appears much larger, no matter how much weight is lost.

If you recognize these signs in yourself, please know it’s not in your head. Lipedema is real, and you deserve proper care.

How Does Lipedema Affect Daily Life?

Lipedema can affect more than just your body; it touches nearly every part of your daily life.
Physically, the heaviness and pain can make standing, walking, or even wearing certain clothes uncomfortable. Emotionally, many women feel self-conscious about their body shape, avoid social activities, or blame themselves for “not trying hard enough” to lose weight.
It can feel incredibly isolating, but I promise you, there is help and there is hope.

How Is Lipedema Diagnosed?

Right now, there is no simple blood test or scan to diagnose lipedema. Diagnosis is mostly clinical, which means an experienced healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, and examine the affected areas.
If you think you might have lipedema, I encourage you to see a specialist who understands the condition. Early diagnosis makes a big difference in managing symptoms and preventing progression.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Although there is no cure yet, there is a lot we can do to manage lipedema, slow its progression, and greatly improve your quality of life.

Here’s how we approach it:

• Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Originally developed for lymphedema, CDT is also greatly beneficial for lipedema, especially when there is fluid swelling too. It includes :
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A gentle, rhythmic movements that help move excess fluid and supports lymphatic function.
• Compression Therapy: Wearing properly fitted compression garments helps manage swelling and supports tissues.
• Exercise: Low-impact activities like swimming, water aerobics, cycling, and walking help keep the lymphatic system working and reduce discomfort.
• Skin Care: Keeping the skin healthy reduces the risk of infections.

• Nutrition Guidance
While lipedema fat won’t disappear with dieting alone, some anti-inflammatory eating patterns may help manage pain and swelling. A balanced diet supports overall health and can make other treatments more effective.

• Specialized Liposuction
In certain cases, when conservative treatment alone isn’t enough, liposuction by an experienced surgeon can remove the diseased fat tissue and provide lasting relief. It’s not cosmetic surgery, it’s functional, aiming to reduce pain and improve mobility. Choosing the right surgeon is crucial.

• Emotional Support
Living with lipedema can be emotionally challenging. Support groups, counseling, and simply having a trusted therapist who listens and understands can make a huge difference in feeling less alone on this journey.

Why Early Treatment Matters?

Lipedema is a progressive condition; it tends to worsen over time if left untreated. Early diagnosis and consistent care can slow progression, reduce pain, and preserve mobility.
I always tell my patients: You don’t have to wait until it’s “bad enough.” The sooner we start, the more we can do to help.

You Are Not Alone, And You Deserve Support!
One of the most heartbreaking parts of my work is meeting women who have spent years blaming themselves, hiding their legs, and trying every diet under the sun, without relief.
Please hear this from me, as someone who cares deeply: This is not your fault. You did not cause this. And you do not have to go through it alone.
In my practice, you are more than just your swelling or your pain. You are a whole person with a story, a life, and a right to feel comfortable in your own skin.

Let’s Raise Awareness Together
This Lipedema Awareness Month, let’s talk openly about lipedema. Let’s break the stigma and educate our friends, families, and even healthcare providers. Share this post with someone who might need it; you never know whose life you might change.
If you think you might have lipedema, or if you just want to talk and ask questions, please reach out. Whether you’re ready to start treatment or just need someone to listen, I am here for you.
You can contact us to book a consultation or follow my @lymphedemadubai Instagram account for more helpful tips, encouragement, and patient stories.

With warmth, understanding, and hope,

Tanja Kalezic