Women's experiences of living with lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disease that almost exclusively affects women and often misdiagnosed as obesity or primary lymphedema. Research concerning lipedema is sparse, and there is a lack of studies focusing on women's experiences of living with the illness. We interviewed fourteen women with lipedema with the aim of describing their experiences of living with lipedema. Our results show that women felt controlled by their body, and were fat-shamed and viewed by others as a person who lacked character. They received unsupportive advice on how to manage from healthcare, and blamed themselves while striving to take responsibility.

Automated summary

Lipedema is a chronic disease that predominantly affects women and is often misdiagnosed as obesity or primary lymphedema. Research on lipedema is scarce, particularly studies focusing on women's experiences. Women with lipedema feel controlled by their bodies, face discrimination, lack support, and strive to take responsibility while blaming themselves.