Key Notes from the Lipoedema Conference 2024 in Melbourne

Amazing conference in Melbourne, organized by the Lipoedema Australia Association! Doctors, allied health practitioners, and patients shared valuable insights on research, treatment options, mental health care, and supportive therapies!

A big shout out to the organisers from the Lipoedema Australia Association and also to all the contributors and speakers - it was so well organised!!!

Health Practitioners, and people living with Lipoedema could take away so much in terms of knowledge: new research, support, treatment options and products!

Here are a few key takeaways from myself:

·      Oedema exists in Lipoedema – not necessarily Lymphoedema but fluid that can create swelling, discomfort, pain and immobility. Therefore, MLD can be very helpful with pain and fluid.

·      Mast Cell Activation plays a major role in Lipoedema and this is why allergies are also directly involved in the symptoms.

·      Change of hormones during different stages of life can impact the growth of fat cells in Lipoedema -> elevated estrogen can activate the mast cells.

·      Nutrition plays an important role when assisting in lowering the inflammatory response. Also, the amount of Leptin, stored in the fat cells plays a role in obesity as well as in Lipoedema and can lead to Leptin resistance and therefore has an impact on your metabolic rate and weight gain.

·      A set of gens have been identified to play a role in developing Lipoedema – more research has to be done to get more details for finding the right medical treatment.

·      Research shows that the fat cells in Lipoedema are functionally different to normal fat cells. They show enhanced growth rates and have a distinct gene signature compared to adipose cells.

·      Mental Health can be impacted by the condition but also vice versa Lipoedema can be affected by childhood trauma and its inflammatory response to the trauma.

·      Also important is Self-Compassion: it can be build-up by self-reflection, learning and becoming compassionate with yourself. Getting help considering some Counselling sessions would be an option.

·      Exercising, strengthening your muscle, is also very important because quite often with dieting and trying to reduce some of the obese fat, people don’t realise that they lose muscle mass and not just fat.

·      Looking at all the comorbidities in Lipoedema (brain fog, autoimmune disease, asthma, allergies and hypermobility) this clearly leads to the hypothesis that Lipoedema is a systemic disease that needs more attention and care!