Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction for Lipedema: Guidelines for a Patient-Centered, Holistic Approach
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Reedy, Carrie (Author)
- Huggins, Siobhan (Author)
- Keith, Leslyn (Author)
Title
Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction for Lipedema: Guidelines for a Patient-Centered, Holistic Approach
Abstract
Lipedema is a chronic, often misdiagnosed disease characterized by painful, disproportionate fat accumulation in the extremities. Commonly mistaken for obesity or lymphedema, lipedema primarily affects women and has long been thought to be resistant to dietary intervention, a belief originating from its initial description by Allen and Hines at the Mayo Clinic in 1940. However, emerging research challenges this notion, revealing that individuals with lipedema often respond positively to therapeutic carbohydrate (CHO) reduction, particularly ketogenic diets (KD). Effective management of lipedema requires a comprehensive, holistic approach. Nutritional strategies should not only target symptom relief but also support overall health by considering physical comorbidities, mental and emotional well-being, and individual cultural and social factors. In this paper, we present an updated perspective on CHO-reduced dietary interventions for lipedema and propose a patient-centered framework to personalize nutrition plans for sustained success and improved quality of life.
Publication
Recent Progress in Nutrition
Volume
05
Issue
03
Pages
1-44
Date
2025-09-03
Journal Abbr
Recent Prog Nutr
Language
en
ISSN
27719871
Short Title
Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction for Lipedema
Accessed
9/8/25, 5:15 PM
Library Catalog
DOI.org (Crossref)
Citation
Reedy, C., Huggins, S., & Keith, L. (2025). Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction for Lipedema: Guidelines for a Patient-Centered, Holistic Approach. Recent Progress in Nutrition, 05(03), 1–44. https://doi.org/10.21926/rpn.2503019
Topic
Publication
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