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OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) compared with a control diet on pain in female patients with lipedema. The secondary objectives were to compare the impact of the two diets on quality of life (QoL) and investigate potential associations of changes in pain with changes in body weight, body composition, and ketosis. METHODS: Adult female patients with lipedema and obesity were randomized to either the LCD or control diet (energy prescription: 1200 kcal/day) for 8 weeks. Body weight and body composition, pain (Brief Pain Inventory measured pain), and QoL (RAND 36-Item Health Survey [RAND-36], Impact of Weight on Quality of Life [IWQOL]-Lite, and Lymphoedema Quality of Life [LYMQOL]) were measured at baseline and at postintervention. RESULTS: A total of 70 female patients (age, mean [SD], 47 [11] years; BMI 37 [5] kg/m2) were included. The LCD group had greater weight loss (-2.8 kg; 95% CI: -4.1 to -1.0; p < 0.001) and larger reduction in pain now (-1.1; 95% CI: -1.9 to -0.3; p = 0.009) compared with the control group. No association was found between changes in pain now and weight loss. Both groups experienced improvements in several QoL dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Diet-induced weight loss in women with lipedema can improve QoL. An energy-restricted LCD seems to be superior to a standard control diet in reducing pain.

This study aimed to assess the potential benefits of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet on body composition, leg volume, and pain reduction in women with lipedema compared to overweight or women with obesity. The study included 113 female participants, 56 with lipedema and 57 with overweight/obesity (BMI >25 kg/m2) without lipedema. All subjects were prescribed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet with anti-inflammatory properties to adhere to for a duration of 7 months. Measurements of anthropometry, body weight, composition, and pain (VAS) were conducted at the study’s commencement and conclusion. 52 participants completed the study. Both groups experienced a similar weight reduction, amounting to 12.9% compared to the baseline (−10.8 kg vs. −11.9 kg; p = 0.14, for lipedema and women with overweight/obesity, respectively). The most reduction was in body fat mass. Improvements in various parameters were observed, except for ankle circumferences, which decreased more in the lipedema group. Lipedema participants showed significantly reduced pain levels following the LCHF diet (4.6 ± 2.6 vs 3.0 ± 2.3; ). The LCHF diet holds promise for weight loss, body fat reduction, leg volume management, and pain alleviation in women with lipedema. These findings provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for lipedema management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence on the efficacy, also considering the anti-inflammatory properties and safety of very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) as a potential treatment for lipedema, particularly in the context of obesity. RECENT FINDINGS: Lipedema is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal and painful fat buildup on the legs and/or arms. It is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. However, although lipedema and obesity can coexist, unlike obesity, lipedema usually affects the legs and thighs without affecting the feet or hands, and the abnormal deposition of adipose tissue in lipedema is painful. The current lifestyle interventions are often unsuccessful in the management of lipedema. There is no consensus on the most effective nutritional approach for managing lipedema. Recent studies have suggested that VLCKD may be an effective treatment for lipedema, demonstrating that it is also superior to other nutritional approaches such as Mediterranean diet or intermittent fasting. Lipedema is a chronic and debilitating disease characterized by abnormal and painful accumulation of adipose tissue in the legs. VLCKD has been shown to be an effective treatment for lipedema, especially in the context of obesity, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of VLCKD as a treatment for lipedema.

Objective The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 in women diagnosed with lipedema. Methods Leukocyte histocompatibility antigen (HLA) tests of 95 women diagnosed with lipedema were analyzed using non-probabilistic sampling for convenience. The prevalence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 was compared to the general population. Results The prevalence of HLA-DQ2+ was 47.4%, that of HLA-DQ8+ was 22.2%, the presence of any celiac disease associated HLA (HLA-DQ2+ or HLA-DQ8+) was 61.1%, both HLA (HLA-DQ2+ and HLA-DQ8+) was 7.4%, and the absence of celiac disease associated HLA was 39%. Compared to the general population, there was a significantly higher prevalence of HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8, any HLA, and both HLAs in lipedema patients. The mean weight of patients with HLA-DQ2+ was significantly lower than the overall study population, and their mean BMI significantly differed from the overall mean BMI. Conclusion Lipedema patients seeking medical assistance have a higher prevalence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. Considering the role of gluten in inflammation, further research is needed to establish if this association supports the benefit of gluten withdrawal from the diet in managing lipedema symptoms.

The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in blood parameters after a low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet in women with lipedema in comparison to overweight or obese women. A total of 115 women were classified into two groups: the lipedema group and the overweight/obesity group. Both study groups followed the caloric-restricted LCHF diet for 7 months. A total of 48 women completed the study. A reduction in body weight was observed in both study groups. A significant decrease in triglycerides and an increase in HDL-C concentrations were observed in both study groups. Despite the increase in the concentration of LDL-C observed in the lipedema group, changes in LDL-C differed between individual patients. Improvements in liver parameters, glucose tolerance, and a decrease in fasting insulin levels were observed, although they were less pronounced in the lipedema group than in the overweight/obesity group. Kidney and thyroid functions were similar before and after the LCHF diet in both groups. The LCHF diet may be a valuable nutritional strategy for lipedema and overweight/obese women, with a beneficial effect on weight, glucose profile, liver function, the concentration of triglycerides, and HDL-C and with no effect on kidney and thyroid function.

Lipedema is still a little-known disease, and the internet and social networks have been increasing the identification of many people with the condition, its characteristics, and diagnostic criteria. It is a disease of the adipose tissue that causes changes in body shape in the regions of the body's extremities, hips, and thighs. Classification of lipedema is based on the distribution of adipose tissue and severity of the disease (stages I, II, III, and IV) [ [1] ]. Lymphedema, venous disease, and hypermobile joints are co-morbidities [ [2] ]. Its overlap with overweight and obesity is common. Also, weight fluctuations and metabolic changes stem from body dissatisfaction commonly affecting women.

Lipedema is a pathology of the adipose tissue, in evident female prevalence, diagnosed clinically and still of not well-defined etiopathogenesis. Indeed, an estrogen-related component is present, and an inflammatory state and a condition of edema are present in most cases; even pain seems to be a recurring feature, and insulin resistance is also often associated with lipedema. The therapeutic approach is finally becoming holistic. Therefore, with surgery, physiotherapy, and elastic compression therapy, the nutritional aspect of food supplementation is gaining much value. The objective of the present work is to consider the nutritional supplements that could be useful to manage this condition, underlining that, at the moment, the specific literature is practically non-existent. The most promising supplements seem to be omega 3 fish oil, polyphenols, and vitamin C, but the need for studies in this sector is urgent.

Abstract Objectives Lipoedema is a chronic fat disorder involving an excessive abnormal deposition of subcutaneous fat in the thighs, legs, hips and buttocks mainly (Wounds UK, 2017). The importance of healthy eating in lipoedema management has been recognised (Wounds UK, 2017), yet dietary guidelines specific for lipoedema are lacking (Bertsch et al., 2020). The study aimed to investigate the self-reported dietary and lifestyle impact on lipoedema management among a representative lipoedema population in the UK. Methods The study used an online questionnaire that consisted of multiple-choice and open-response questions to collect data on symptoms and diagnostic status of lipoedema and self-reported dietary and lifestyle impact on lipoedema management among participants. The questionnaire was constructed using the Survey Monkey software. The active online survey link was sent to Lipoedema UK's members and contacts via e-mail and also made accessible via the study flyer advertised on Lipoedema UK's website and newsletters. Ethical approval was obtained from the De Montfort University Faculty Research Ethics Committee of Health and Life Sciences prior to the study. Participants had given their consents before starting the survey. Data collection was anonymous. Data were analysed using SPSS v26.0. Results The results showed that 165 out of 257 participants (66.3%) had tried diet as a mean to improve their lipoedema symptoms in the past. Anti-inflammatory diet was reported to be one of the three most effective diets that improved their symptoms (either single or multiple). The other two diets were ketogenic diet and rare adipose disorder diet. Noticeably, 95% of the 257 participants were classified as either overweight or obese based on their Body Mass Index (BMI) measure. And 20% of the participants who tried weight loss diets had found improvements in their lipoedema conditions. Conclusions The study results will help inform the development of future research on finding a dietary solution to effective lipoedema management for the UK lipoedema population. Funding Sources De Montfort University funded the recruitment of a Research Assistant to support part of the data analysis work.

Lipedema is a chronic disease that mostly manifests in females as the abnormal distribution of subcutaneous adipose connective tissue, usually coupled with bruising, pain, and edema. Lipedema molecular pathophysiology is currently not clear, but several studies suggest that genetics and hormonal imbalance participate in lipedema pathogenesis. Women with lipedema present in some cases with elevated body mass index, and the appearance of obesity in addition to lipedema, where the obesity can cause serious health issues as in lipedema-free individuals with obesity, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Unlike obesity, lipedema tissue does not respond well to diet or physical exercise alone. Therefore, in this review we discuss the effect of various dietary supplements that, along with diet and physical exercise, cause fat burning and weight loss, and which could potentially be important in the treatment of lipedema. Indeed, an effective fat burner should convert stored fats into energy, mobilize and break down triglycerides in adipocytes, boost metabolism and inhibit lipogenesis. Common ingredients of fat burning supplements are green tea, caffeine, chromium, carnitine, and conjugated linoleic acid. The use of fat burners could act synergistically with a healthy diet and physical exercise for decreasing adipose tissue deposition in patients with lipedema and resolve related health issues. The effects of fat burners in human studies are sometimes contradictory, and further studies should test their effectiveness in treating lipedema.

Background: An adequate dietary energy supply is particularly important in patients with lipedema as it promotes weight and fat loss. Accurate estimation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) allows implementing a proper calorie restriction diet in patients with lipedema. Therefore, an accurate assessment of energy demand in patients with lipedema is crucial in clinical practice. Our study aimed to compare actual resting metabolic rate (aRMR) with predicted resting metabolic rate (pRMR) in women with lipedema and to determine the association between individual anthropometric measurements and aRMR.Methods: A total of 108 women diagnosed with lipedema were enrolled in the study. aRMR was measured by indirect calorimetry (IC) using FitMate WM metabolic system (Cosmed, Rome, Italy). pRMR was estimated with predictive equations and BIA. All anthropometric measurements were based on BIA (bioelectric impedance analysis).Results: The mean aRMR in the study group was 1705.2 ± 320.7 kcal/day. Most methods of predicted RMR measurement used in our study significantly underpredicted aRMR in patients with lipedema. We reported statistically significant high correlations between all anthropometric measurements and aRMR/pRMR and a moderate correlation between visceral fat level (VFL) and aRMR. Conclusions: aRMR in patients with lipedema calculated with predictive equations was significantly lower than aRMR measured with other methods. This study found the agreement of predictive equations compared to IC is low (&amp;lt;60%). Fat-free mass (FFM) is a stronger determinant of RMR in patients with lipedema than fat mass.

Background Lipedema is an underdiagnosed condition in women, characterized by a symmetrical increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in the lower extremities, sparing the trunk. The lipedema SAT has been found to be resistant to diet, exercise and bariatric surgery, in regard to both weight loss (WL) and symptom relief. Current experience indicates that a low carbohydrate and high fat (LCHF-diet) might have a beneficial effect on weight and symptom management in lipedema. Objective To assess the impact of an eucaloric low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF)-diet on pain and quality of life (QoL) in patients with lipedema. Methods Women diagnosed with lipedema, including all types and stages affecting the legs, (age 18-75 years, BMI 30-45 kg/m2) underwent 7 weeks (wk) of LCHF-diet and, thereafter 6 wk of a diet following the Nordic nutrition recommendations. Pain (visual analog scale) and QoL (questionnaire for lymphedema of the limbs), weight and body composition were measured at baseline, wk 7 and 13. Results Nine women (BMI: 36.7±4.5kg/m2 and age: 46.9±7 years) were recruited. The LCHF diet induced a significant WL -4.6±0.7 kg (-4.5±2.4%), P<0.001 for both, and reduction in pain (-2.3±0.4 cm, P=0.020). No correlation was found between WL and changes in pain at wk 7 (r = 0.283, P = 0.460). WL was maintained between wk 7 and 13 (0.3±0.7 kg, P=0.430), but pain returned to baseline levels at wk 13 (4.2±0.7 cm ,P=0.690). A significant increase in general QoL was found between baseline and wk 7 (1.0 (95% CI (2.0, 0.001), P=0.050) and 13 (1.0 95% CI (2.0, 0.001) P=0.050), respectively. Conclusion A LCHF-diet is associated with reduction in perceived pain and improvement in QoL, in patients with lipedema. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Lipedema is a pathology of adipose tissue, still of unclear etiology and challenging to diagnose. For these reasons, a therapeutic approach is also complex and sometimes controversial. The inflammation state present in lipedema can be limited by controlling the glycemic peaks. Specifically, the ketogenic diet (KD) seems to have the right conditions to be effective. Herein, we reported a subject diagnosed with lipedema who, with only KD nutritional intervention, achieved a significant weight loss (&minus;41 Kg), with a net decrease in body circumferences, and also reporting an improvement in pain, and therefore in the overall quality of life. She refused other types of intervention and kept KD for two years. This case could represent the first step to organize a KD nutritional protocol specifically applied to lipedema.

OBJECTIVES: The association between serum Vitamin D (Vit. D) and mood disorders in lipedema patients has not been investigated. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between serum Vit. D, depression and anxiety risk. METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort of lipedema patients were investigated by collecting the clinical and demographic data. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and the Hamilton of Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) were used to evaluating the risk of depression and anxiety. Serum concentrations of Vit. D were measured. The association between Vit. D levels and both HAM-A and HAM-D scores were statistically examined by bivariate and partial correlations. RESULTS: Forty lipedema patients were enrolled in this study. Around two-thirds of them had a higher depression or anxiety risk, and 77.5% were under the normal serum Vit. D levels. A significant and inverse correlation was observed between serum Vit. D levels and both HAM-D (r=-0.661, p<0.001), and HAM-A (r=-0.496, p=0.001) scores. This strong association was sustained after the statistical model adjusted for the main potential confounding factors (age, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, and lipedema stages). Additionally, serum Vit. D correlated significantly and inversely with BMI (r=-0.647, p<0.001). Moreover, BMI significantly correlated with HAM-D: r=0.560, p<0.001, and HAM-A: r=0.511, p=0.00. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a strong correlation between Vit. D levels, depression scores, and anxiety scores in lipedema patients. Our results also demonstrate a strong and direct relationship between BMI, Vit. D levels, depression, and anxiety.

Lipoedema is a subcutaneous adipose tissue disease characterized by the increase in the amount and structure of fat mass (FM) in specific areas, causing pain and discomfort. 95% of patients fail to lose weight in the lipoedema areas. The study was conducted to evaluate body composition and general health status modification in a group of lipoedema patients (LIPPY) and a control group (CTRL) after four weeks of a modified Mediterranean diet therapy (mMeD). A total of 29 subjects were included in the data analysis, divided in two groups: 14 LIPPY and 15 CTRL. After the mMeD, both groups significantly decreased their weight and body mass index; the CTRL also showed a reduction of all the circumferences and all FM's compartments. LIPPY showed a decrease of FM in upper and lower limbs. No significant differences in Δ% between the groups were observed for the lean mass (LM). In LIPPY, an increase in the patients' ability to perform various daily physical activities related to the loss of arms' and legs' fat was observed. According to the European Quality of Life scale, the possibility for LIPPY subjects to perform simple daily activities with less fatigue, pain and anxiety is highlighted. Further long-term studies are recommended to confirm the mMeD as a good strategy for Lipoedema treatment.

Currently, the ketogenic diet (KD) is used to treat obesity. A prospective study on the use of KD and nutraceutical correction of the nutritional status of patients with lipedema was carried out. Aim. To study the effect of the ketogenic diet, accompanied by correction of changes in the intestinal microbiome and hepatoprotection,on the reduction of fatty deposits in lipedema and the dynamics of changes in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism hormones. Material and methods. 60 patients with lower limb lipedema of stages I-III were randomized into 2 groups: Group 1 received a lowcalorie diet (LCD), physical exercises in the gym (PE), and physical activity (FA) in the form of daily walking up to 3-5 km/ day. Group 2 received a modified version of the Atkins ketogenic diet, physical exercises in the gym and FA, as well as nutraceutical correction of increased appetite, probiotic intestinal composition, hepatoprotection. The duration of the treatment course was 4 weeks. Anthropometric methods and bioimpedansometry were used to control limb circumferences, waist and thigh. Results and discussion. After treatment, patients in 1st group showed a decrease in body weight, lean and active cell mass, a decrease in musculoskeletal mass, and a decrease in total water due to extracellular water. A decrease in total cholesterol and high density lipoproteins (HDL) fraction, an increase in blood triglyceride fraction was noted. Leptin decreased by 12.73%. Patients of the 2nd group showed a decrease in body weight, fat mass, lean mass, total water and extracellular water. There was a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases. Leptin decreased by 32.02%, insulin decreased by 9.87%. To prevent the development of fatty hepatosis against the background of the use of KD, patients of the 2nd group received nutraceutical correction: hepatoprotector Gepamin, metaprebiotic Stimbifid-plus, modulating the formation of resident intestinal microbiota. To reduce appetite, the patients of the 2nd group were also prescribed anorexic - an algal product Nativ containing the polysaccharide fucoidan, having a prebiotic effect. Improvement of reparative processes in the liver, suppression of oxidative processes also contributed to the restoration of the sensitivity of insulin receptors, which was confirmed by the normalization of the lipid-carbohydrate spectrum of blood in patients of the 2nd group after the course of the treatment. The insulin decrease in patients of Group 2 indicated not only insulin resistance decrease , but also the lipogenesis decrease and stimulation of lipolysis. Adipose tissue reduction due to lipolysis stimulation was also indicated by a decrease in leptin expression. Conclusion. Thus, a ketogenic diet, accompanied by nutraceutical correction of the intestinal microbiome and hepatoprotection can be effectively used in combination with physical activity in order to reduce body weight, fat mass and edema, as evidenced by a decrease in the expression level of leptin and insulin, correlating with the levels of fat loss and free water.

Lipedema (LI) is a common yet misdiagnosed condition, often misconstrued with obesity. LI affects women almost exclusively, and its painful and life-changing symptoms have long been thought to be resistant to the lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise. In this paper, we discuss possible mechanisms by which patients adopting a ketogenic diet (KD) can alleviate many of the unwanted clinical features of LI. This paper is also an effort to provide evidence for the hypothesis of the potency of this dietary intervention for addressing the symptoms of LI. Specifically, we examine the scientific evidence of effectiveness of adopting a KD by patients to alleviate clinical features associated with LI, including excessive and disproportionate lower body adipose tissue (AT) deposition, pain, and reduction in quality of life (QoL). We also explore several clinical features of LI currently under debate, including the potential existence and nature of edema, metabolic and hormonal dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis. The effectiveness of a KD on addressing clinical features of LI has been demonstrated in human studies, and shows promise as an intervention for LI. We hope this paper leads to an improved understanding of optimal nutritional management for patients with LI and stimulates future research in this area of study.