Living Well with Lipedema

Today, Dr. Robert Cywes delves into the complexities of obesity, lipedema, and insulin resistance, emphasizing a transformative approach he terms the "Lipedema Way of Life." Specializing in Pediatric and Adult obesity, diabetes, and metabolic management, Dr. Cywes focuses on elucidating and addressing the root causes of these conditions. With over two decades of experience in metabolic management, he has guided numerous individuals towards remission from obesity, diabetes, and pre-diabetes. Dr. Cywes advocates for a holistic shift in lifestyle rather than mere dietary interventions, asserting that true solutions lie in comprehensive lifestyle changes.

In today’s flash briefing, delve into the distinctions among lipedema, lymphedema, and obesity alongside our guest expert, Dr. Stanley G. Rockson. Dr. Rockson holds the esteemed position of the Allen and Tina Neill Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he also serves as Chief of Consultative Cardiology and directs the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders.

Samantha Connolly, a physical therapist from Spiddal, Ireland, delves into the potential hormonal connections to lipedema, a condition often overlooked in research. In her article, "Does Lipoedema Mimic Pregnancy?", published in Wounds International in 2022, she highlights the need for further investigation in this field. As requested by Catherine Seo from the Lipedema Project, I've reviewed Connolly's work and found it to be quite compelling.

Monday mornings often revolve around calendar checks, mapping out the week ahead, and aligning various tasks. Embarking on modest organizational endeavors can yield significant results. Consider devoting just 10 minutes to enhancing order in one aspect of your life. This small step can pave the way for sustained organization and efficiency.

In this heartwarming episode, we delve into the profound simplicity of a question that holds immeasurable significance: "Do you want to be my friend?"

Allow me to introduce a recent publication originating from the University of Calabria in Italy authored by Roberto Cannataro and Erika Cione. The study, titled "Utilizing Nutritional Supplements for Managing Lipedema: A Scientific Approach," was released in the Nutraceuticals journal in September 2022. You can access the paper through this link: Life | Free Full-Text | Management of Lipedema with Ketogenic Diet: 22-Month Follow-Up (mdpi.com)

Join Lisa Duerre and Catherine Seo as they explore the transformative journey of joining the Lipedema Simplified TRIBE Community. In this engaging podcast, Lisa and Catherine share insights into why connecting with this supportive community is an act of self-love and how embracing the tribe can empower your personal journey. Discover the benefits of being part of a community rooted in support, generosity, and shared experiences. Explore the various options for participation and learn how the tribe provides expert guidance rooted in science to navigate the challenges of Lipedema. Whether you're seeking support, expertise, or simply a sense of belonging, this podcast invites you to join the tribe and embark on a journey toward self-discovery and empowerment.

Today I’d like to tell you about a paper, which is a collaboration between a lipedema clinic in St Louis, MO, a vascular surgeon in New York, NY, and a non-pneumatic device manufacturer. The paper is titled, Real Time Visualization of Enhanced Lymphatic Flow When Using a Non-Pneumatic Active Compression Device (NPCD) and was published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Case Reports in December 2023. The study objective was real-time near-infrared visualization to observe lymph movement at baseline and again after 3 months of use with the NPCD device at home with ambulation.

Today, I'll be discussing a paper authored by two physicians based in France. Titled Frequency of lipoedema in patients consulting a vein clinic for mild to moderate superficial venous disorder with symptoms: A retrospective analysis, this paper was published in the peer-reviewed journal Journal of Vascular Medicine in April 2023. The study sets out to investigate the prevalence of lipedema among female patients seeking treatment at a vein clinic for chronic leg pain. The authors highlight the underrecognition and misdiagnosis of lipedema, emphasizing the importance of understanding the frequency of lipedema cases among patients visiting vein clinics. For further information, you can download the blood pressure pamphlet HERE.

Today, I'll be sharing findings from a paper authored by a team of researchers based in Sweden. Entitled A Large-Scale Experiment on New Year’s Resolutions: Approach-Oriented Goals are More Successful than Avoidance-Oriented Goals, this paper was published in the reputable peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE in December 2020. The researchers aimed to explore the nature of New Year's resolutions, individuals' confidence levels in adhering to their goals, and their overall success rates. They investigated whether framing resolutions as "approach-oriented" or "avoidance-oriented" impacted their achievement rates. Additionally, they examined whether receiving support in the form of information and exercises for goal-setting influenced resolution success. For more information, visit our blog at https://lipedema-simplified.org/blog/.

Today, I want to share insights from a paper authored by a team of surgeons and clinicians based in the United States. Titled Lipedema Reduction Surgery Improves Pain, Mobility, Physical Function, and Quality of Life: Case Series Report, this paper was published in the peer-reviewed journal PRS Global Open in November 2023. The primary objective of this article is to outline the advantages observed among women in the USA following lipedema reduction surgery, employing methodologies aimed at safeguarding lymphatic structures.

Current Obesity Reports

Today, I'll discuss a Polish study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in January 2023. Titled The Usefulness of Compression Therapy among Lipedema Patients-Pilot Study, it compared the effectiveness of combining exercises with compression therapy versus exercises alone for lipedema treatment. The research also assessed measurement tools for lipedema symptoms. Though acknowledging compression therapy may not directly reduce adipose tissue, the authors suggest its efficacy in alleviating lipedema symptoms. They also note the lack of studies testing compression therapy alone. Despite limitations, this paper suggests a growing trend towards integrating exercise and compression therapy for managing lipedema, offering valuable insights for future research.

In this episode, we introduce a research paper originating from Switzerland titled “The Influence of a Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet on Laboratory Parameters among Women with Lipedema Compared to Overweight/Obese Women”, published in the esteemed peer-reviewed journal Nutrients in June 2023. The primary objective of the study was to assess changes in blood parameters following seven months of adherence to a ketogenic diet among women diagnosed with lipedema, contrasting with outcomes observed in overweight or obese women. This paper holds significant relevance for individuals grappling with lipedema as it contributes further to the mounting evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of carbohydrate restriction, particularly at ketogenic levels, as a potential intervention for managing lipedema. Moreover, it sheds light on variances in dietary response between women with lipedema and those who are obese.

Today, I'm excited to share insights from a paper authored by a team of surgeons based in Rome, Italy. The article, titled Modified Mediterranean-Ketogenic Diet and Carboxytherapy as Personalized Therapeutic Strategies in Lipedema: A Pilot Study, was published in the esteemed peer-reviewed journal Nutrients in August 2023. The primary objective of this study is to gauge the effectiveness of a tailored modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet (MMKD), either with or without carboxytherapy, in addressing various symptoms of lipedema, including alterations in body composition, pain levels, overall health status, and quality of life.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — Global Open

Keto Chow

Today, I'd like to discuss a research study featured in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, published in March 2023. This collaborative endeavor involved researchers from Italy, Jordan, and Australia. Titled "Exploring the Influence of MTHFR Polymorphisms on Lipedema Risk," the study set out to investigate the potential correlation between mutations in the MTHFR gene and the likelihood of developing lipedema.

Today, I bring forth an excerpt from a presentation delivered by Siobhan Huggins and myself at the Keto Chow Meat Up held in Draper, UT on July 15, 2023. Keto Chow, a steadfast sponsor of numerous Lipedema Simplified events, has earned our admiration for their exceptional products. In this segment, Siobhan delves into the complexities of connective tissue ailments, including fibrosis and inflammation, drawing parallels between these issues and those encountered in various other medical conditions.