Women in dire need: the far-reaching impact of lipoedema on women's lives

Abstract

Lipoedema, an adipose tissue disorder, is a poorly visible, often unrecognised condition. To foster a greater understanding of the significant and debilitating impacts faced by women living with lipoedema, the charity Lipoedema UK conducted four focus group interviews, the findings of which were published in a series of reports under the umbrella title ‘Women in dire need’. The reports identified the substantial and numerous negative effects of lipoedema on the women's everyday lives, including the patients' experiences with compression garments, the effects of liposuction surgery (many of which were not positive), the everyday impacts ranging from pain and reduced mobility to poor self-esteem and working prospects, and the considerable challenges faced by women with late-stage lipoedema which can render them immobile.

Stages of lipoedema: experiences of physical and mental health and health care

“…These findings extend this research by showing that those of stages 3–4 were significantly more likely to report experiencing difficulties at work and in finding and keeping a job due to lipoedema compared to stages 1–2. Qualitative research with stage 3–4 women with lipoedema found mobility issues are a primary concern, impacting everyday activities and work [ 11 ]. Thus, the higher prevalence of impact on work functioning within stages 3–4 in the current study may reflect the greater prevalence of mobility issues, pain and fatigue found in this group.…”

“…Lipoedema has a considerable negative impact on everyday functioning in terms of appearance and mobility. Often painful for individuals, the progressive abnormal distribution of fat leads to deterioration of joints and reduces mobility [ 3 ], impacting the ability to engage in physical activity, and work [ 6 , 11 , 12 ]. Importantly, the physical appearance of lipoedema is distressing and reduces emotional and social functioning [ 8 ].…”

Lipedema: a new phenomenon for many people and a new field of study for psychiatry, nutrition, and psychology in Brazil

“…It was first described in the United States in 1940 and is characterized by fat accumulation in the lower regions 5 . There is a characteristic of disproportionality in the affected areas, and the symptoms appear throughout development, along with hormonal changes 6 – 8 .…”