Lipedema

Lipedema, which primarily affects women, can be confused with obesity. Nutrition and Diet Specialist Harika Özkaya YURTTADUR stated that a significant portion of women who diet to lose weight but notice that the painful swelling in their legs does not decrease are actually struggling with lipedema. Emphasizing that lipedema is not just about excess weight, Dyt. YURTTADUR said, “In this disease, nutrition should be at the center of treatment not only for weight control but also to reduce inflammation and pain.”

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is defined as a chronic and progressive fat tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate fat accumulation and pain, particularly in the lower extremities, i.e., the legs. Noting that this problem, which is much more common in women than in men, is often confused with obesity or lymphedema, our expert explained that lipedema, unlike classic weight gain, manifests itself as painful fat accumulation that is resistant to diet and exercise.
Pointing out that lipedema, which affects 11 percent of women, is not sufficiently recognized in society, but that this disease closely affects not only a person's physical appearance but also their quality of life and psychosocial status, our expert said, “The most important goal in the treatment of lipedema is to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and stop progression.”

How Should Lipedema Patients Eat?

Emphasizing that a personalized, low-carbohydrate, anti-inflammatory dietary model may help alleviate symptoms in lipedema patients, our expert said, “Such diets contribute to reducing pain, controlling edema, and improving quality of life by reducing systemic inflammation.” She provided the following information on the most appropriate dietary approaches for patients:

The Mediterranean Diet in Lipedema Treatment

“Known for its high antioxidant content, the Mediterranean diet stands out for its anti-inflammatory effect in individuals with lipedema. Olive oil, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains reduce cell damage in the body and support circulation.”

Ketogenic Diet in Lipedema Treatment

In addition, our expert explains that recent studies have shown that the ketogenic diet may be effective in managing pain and symptoms in lipedema: "The ketogenic diet model has been used as a treatment method for epilepsy since the 1920s. It is implemented by reducing carbohydrate intake to less than 20 grams per day. Recent studies have shown that the ketogenic diet may improve weight and symptom management in lipedema."

“Similarly, low-carbohydrate diets, where less than 45% of energy comes from carbohydrates, can also reduce pain and improve quality of life,” our expert continued. “In summary, the recommended dietary approach is to follow a cyclical nutrition program that is mostly low-carbohydrate but allows for periodic carbohydrate intake, with the goal of reducing systemic inflammation, reducing edema, and lowering body weight through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components.”

What Should People with Lipedema Eat and Avoid?

Regarding foods that should and should not be included in the diet as part of general eating habits, our expert provided the following information: "To reduce systemic inflammation and edema and prevent cell damage: Ginger, turmeric, garlic, onion, green tea, matcha, rooibos tea, colorful vegetables and fruits, especially dark green, purple, and orange ones, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and other fruits high in anthocyanins, spinach, chard, arugula, and dark green leafy vegetables like purslane can be added to the diet. White flour, starch, pastries, sweets, packaged foods, etc. Low glycemic index carbohydrate sources should be preferred. Refined carbohydrates are not recommended; quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oats, sweet potatoes, and vegetables can be added to the diet as complex carbohydrate sources. Healthy protein sources are important for maintaining muscle mass. For this purpose, free-range chicken, turkey, red meat (in moderation and lean), eggs, fish rich in omega-3 such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, and legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans should be preferred. When choosing fats, healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, walnuts, almonds, chia, and flax seeds should be used. Quinoa, buckwheat, whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes, and vegetables should also be added to the diet. In addition, drinking 2–2.5 liters of water a day and using natural diuretics such as parsley, green tea, and pineapple is also important for hydration.

Supplemental Products Can Be Used for Support

Explaining that simple sugars, trans fats, excessive salt, and processed foods can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms in individuals with lipedema, the Nutrition and Diet Specialist states, "In some people, dairy products and gluten can also trigger inflammation. Alcohol should be avoided as much as possible because it slows lymphatic flow and prevents toxin elimination. In addition, depending on the individual's overall condition, supplements recommended by their doctor or dietitian can also be used."

What Should Be Done to Reduce Lipedema?

Emphasizing that nutrition, exercise, and physical therapy should be carried out together in the conservative treatment of lipedema and that the goal is not just to lose weight, Dietitian Harika Özkaya YURTTADUR concluded her remarks as follows: "Reducing inflammation, supporting circulation, and controlling symptoms are the main goals of treatment. With a scientifically based, anti-inflammatory nutritional approach, the progression of lipedema can be slowed, and patients' quality of life can be significantly improved. In addition, manual lymphatic drainage helps reduce edema and supports circulation. Compression garments also help regulate lymph flow. It is also extremely important for lymphedema patients to incorporate low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates into their lives.