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Published on:

11th Jul 2021

Is Fluid Retention in Lipedema?

Today I'd like to tell you about a paper by Marisol Allen, Michael Schwartz, and Karen L. Herbst. The paper is called: Interstitial Fluid in Lipedema and Control Skin. It was published in the peer-reviewed journal Women's Health Reports in September 2020. The aim of this study was to determine if abnormal blood vessels, similar to those found in lymphedema, are present more often in the thighs compared with the abdomen in women with lipedema. The researchers hypothesized that these impaired blood vessels could increase the fluid load in the lower body and overwhelm the lymphatics. These researchers also surmised that the later stages of lipedema and those also affected by obesity would have a greater fluid load.' This study is important for women with lipedema because there continues to be a great deal of discussion of whether there is edema, or swelling, in lipedema. This study seems to support the idea that there is, although I disagree with their suggestion on how to best support the clearance of that extra fluid.

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About the Podcast

Living Well with Lipedema
Lipedema, the disease they call fat, is a chronic fat disorder that affects 17 million women in the USA and as many as 350 million women worldwide. It is often mistaken for simple obesity. Generally under-recognized and misdiagnosed, symptoms include pain, swelling and weight gain disproportionately distributed in the thighs, buttocks, legs, and hips with a smaller upper body. Lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise and without intervention progresses and worsens over time. This flash briefing offers tips, news, and updates with the founder and director of Lipedema Simplified, Catherine A. Seo, Ph.D., Lipedema Project Board President and Director of Research, Leslyn Keith, OTD, CLT-LANA, and guest experts. Please note DISCLAIMER The information in Living Well with Lipedema is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
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Catherine Seo

About CATHERINE SEO, PhD
Catherine is Founder & Director of Lipedema Simplified & The Lipedema Project and a professor of psychology. She produced and directed the documentary, The Disease They Call FAT, and was a co-author of the book, Lipedema-The Disease They Call FAT: An Overview for Clinicians. She holds a doctorate in Psychology with a concentration in Media. She has developed online courses on lipedema for patients and healthcare professionals as well as multi-media learning tools since 2013 and is the Director of the MasterClass Program, courses and webinars.


About LESLYN KEITH, OTD, CLT-LANA
Leslyn is President & Director of Research for The Lipedema Project, an instructor in lymphedema therapy for Klose Traning and Consulting, and has a private practice in lymphedema/lipedema therapy. She has completed research about lifestyle change, including a ketogenic way of eating, for participants who were diagnosed with lymphedema and obesity. Leslyn has a doctorate in Occupational Therapy and has been treating lymphatic disorders since 2000.