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.
New campaign
Dispelling 8 Myths in 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 Too often, women searching for answers are met with misinformation — repeated misconceptions based on outdated science, and contradictory advice, sometimes leading to costly and ineffective treatment.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” 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.
Truth: Lipedema is not an edema or lymphatic disorder.
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.
Truth: If you have easy bruising, it is most likely not caused by lipedema.
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.
Truth: Lipedema occurs exclusively in the extremities—not the trunk, head, or neck.
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.
Truth: The true prevalence of lipedema is unknown.
Myth: "Lipedema is a lymphatic disorder"
Coming soon, stay tuned!
Myth: "Lipedema is a progressive disease"
Coming soon, stay tuned!
Myth: "Lipedema causes weight gain"
Coming soon, stay tuned!
Myth: "Weight loss has no impact on lipedema"
Coming soon, stay tuned!