Advocate, Educate, Empower
Discover if Lipedema could be the hidden cause of your symptoms. Gain clarity and insight into your health journey.
Your go-to source for holistic support and expert guidance, offering a wide range of digital tools and printables to enhance your wellness journey.
Inquire about speaking engagements to learn more about LIpedema, its complex health impacts, and current evidence-based care and standards of care.
Women’s Health Hub
Difficulty losing weight and don’t know why?
Unveiling Lipedema: The Hidden Cause of Disproportionate Weight and Pain
Welcome to Lipedema Health, where we're dedicated to unraveling the mystery of Lipedema—a condition often disguised as obesity but with distinct characteristics and implications.
Lipedema is a chronic tissue disorder prevalent in women and is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. The condition slowly progresses with abnormal fat growth in the hips, thighs, buttocks, legs, and arms. Despite weight loss efforts, the literature shows that it’s resistant to diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery. This condition is known to be hereditary, genetics playing a key role in up to 60% of a first degree relative.
Lipedema affects millions of women worldwide (11% or up to 17 million). The impact is significant causing pain, decreased mobility, leading to depression, disability, and lower quality of life. Our mission is to raise awareness, empower individuals to recognize the signs, provide support and solutions for proactive care, and well-being. By pioneering new care approaches, we aim to revolutionize the way Lipedema is understood, diagnosed, and treated, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by this often misunderstood condition.
Photo Credit: Wiedner M, Aghajanzadeh D, Richter DF. Differential diagnoses and treatment of lipedema. Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2020; 7: 10. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2019.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
(1) Christoffersen, V.; Tennfjord, M.K. Younger Women with Lipedema, Their Experiences with Healthcare Providers, and the Importance of Social Support and Belonging: A Qualitative Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 1925. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031925
(2) Kruppa P, Georgiou I, Biermann N, Prantl L, Klein-Weigel P, Ghods M. Lipedema-Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2020 Jun 1;117(22- 23):396-403. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0396. PMID: 32762835; PMCID: PMC7465366.
Lipedema has profound impacts.
Lipedema's impacts are profound, affecting countless lives. At Lipedema Health, we stand at the forefront of change, committed to breaking barriers and creating a paradigm shift in Lipedema care. Through unwavering dedication, innovation, and collaboration, our initiatives strive to elevate awareness, expedite accurate diagnoses, and improve treatment accessibility for a holistic transformation of the Lipedema healthcare experience.
Understanding Lipedema Impact: A video primer
Discover the profound impacts of Lipedema and join us at the forefront of change. Our unwavering dedication, innovation, and collaboration aim to break barriers, expedite accurate diagnoses, and improve treatment accessibility. Elevate awareness and be part of a holistic transformation in the Lipedema healthcare experience.
My Journey
-
Thumbs Up!
This is my first Lipedema Reduction Surgery in September, 2021. I’m giving the green light to remove the lipedema fat and eliminate the chronic pain.
-
Lippy Legs First!
My doctor is performing a lower calf and inner knee removal of lipedema tissue using a translucent, water assisted liposuction (WAL) technique, a gentle approach to minimize any lymphatic injury. This is my 1st of 3 procedures. It’s not a one and done!
-
4 Liters of Lipedema Fat - The Max!
The surgeon took a total of 4 Liters of fat as there was a limit to ensure a safe medical procedure. There are variations into the amount of fat, some surgeons will take more. I’m all about the safety!
Biography
Masters of Science in Nursing Innovation/Intrapreneur/ Entrepreneurship in Advance Practice Nursing
Board Certified in Case Management
My name is Michelle. I'm a passionate nurse who wants to bring awareness and advance the care of Lipedema. I was diagnosed with Lipedema in early 2021.
Through my personal experience, I've learned that living Lipedema has its challenges. Without an accurate and timely diagnosis, it can lead to higher healthcare costs, misuse of healthcare resources, disability, and poor quality of life for millions of women. I’m excited to build this platform to provide education, tools, resources, and innovative solutions to support physicians, healthcare practitioners, researchers, and women who have Lipedema and those who just don’t know it yet.
With more than 25 years healthcare experience in leadership, medical management, clinical strategy, clinical model design, and process improvement/automation. I obtained my Masters in Nursing Innovation Intra/Entrepreneurship at Drexel University, with a focus on education and clinical research strategies to address the burden of populations with multiple chronic conditions.
On a personal note, I'm married to my high school sweetheart, and we have 2 lovely daughters. We also have a Labrador who brings us lots of laughter. I enjoy reading, travel, design, and spending time at the beach.
“In the journey to transform care for Lipedema, let empowerment be your guide, resilience your strength, and knowledge your compass. Each step forward is a triumph over systemic challenges, and collectively, we can illuminate a path to a brighter, healthier future for women with Lipedema.”
— LIPEDEMA HEALTH
Let’s work together
Get engaged with Lipedema Health, today.
The content in this website is informational purposes only and it is recommended to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider. If you have concerns about your condition or symptoms always seek advice with your primary care doctor. The information shared is in good faith, at times the information may contain errors. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions.