Resource Library

ILA is committed to communicate evidence-based knowledge on lipoedema. Here you can find valuable resources for both patients and healthcare professionals to support your knowledge in lipoedema.

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Dispelling 8 Myths About Lipedema

Living with lipedema can be confusing, frustrating, and at times overwhelming. Too often, women searching for answers are met with misinformation — repeated misconceptions based on outdated science, and contradictory advice, sometimes leading to costly and ineffective treatment.

The International Lipedema Association (ILA) has launched the awareness campaign “Dispelling 8 Myths About Lipedema”, a series of eight videos featuring experts from the ILA Board who address and dispel common myths about lipedema to provide clarity.

Myth: "There is edema in lipedema"

Myth: There is edema in lipedema

For many years, lipedema has been described as a condition involving fluid build-up or swelling in the legs. This has led to the widespread belief that lipedema is a form of edema (fluid retention).

Truth: Lipedema is not an edema or lymphatic disorder.

Learn more and watch the video

Myth: "Lipedema causes easy bruising"

Myth: Lipedema causes easy bruising

Older definitions included easy bruising as a symptom, but recent research tells a different story. Many women with lipedema do not bruise easily, and many people who do bruise easily do not have lipedema.

Truth: If you have easy bruising, it is most likely not caused by lipedema.

Learn more and watch the video

Myth: "Lipedema occurs on the abdomen"

Myth: Lipedema occurs on the abdomen

It is sometimes wrongly claimed that lipedema can spread to include the abdomen. And because many patients with lipedema also struggle with abdominal weight gain, the assumption feels convincing.

Truth: Lipedema occurs exclusively in the extremities—not the trunk, head, or neck.

Learn more and watch the video

Myth: "Lipedema is a common disease"

Myth: Lipedema is a common disease

Lipedema is often described as a “common” condition, with estimates claiming that up to 10–15% of women are affected, but actually, the true prevalence of lipedema is unknown — and certainly not as high as often claimed.

Truth: The true prevalence of lipedema is unknown.

Learn more and watch the video

Myth: "Lipedema is a lymphatic disorder"

Myth: Lipedema is a lymphatic disorder

One of the most persistent misunderstandings about lipedema is the belief that it is a disease of the lymphatic system. But current evidence clearly distinguishes lipedema from true lymphatic disorders.

Truth: Lipedema is not a disorder of the lymphatic system.

Learn more and watch the video

Myth: "Lipedema is a progressive disease"

Myth: Lipedema is a progressive disease

Lipedema is not inherently progressive. How it develops depends on many factors, which means you are not destined to become less mobile or more limited over time.

Truth: Lipedema is not inherently progressive — disease progression depends on other factors.

Learn more and watch the video

Myth: "Lipedema causes weight gain"

Myth: Lipedema is responsible for weight gain

The frequent co-occurrence of lipedema and obesity reinforces the myth that lipedema causes weight gain. But reality is that lipedema itself does not cause weight gain.

Truth: Lipedema is not responsible for weight gain.

Learn more and watch the video

Myth: "Weight loss has no impact on lipedema"

Coming soon, stay tuned!

From the ILA Co-Presidents

“As ILA, we stand for providing evidence-based information to support healthcare professionals and women with lipedema in achieving the best possible diagnosis and treatment. We are committed to dispelling misinformation, and we encourage open dialogue that reflects diverse perspectives to move science forward.”

– Ad Hendrickx and Gabriele Erbacher, ILA Co-Presidents, September, 2025.