Research Indicates Diets Fail to Address Lipoedema Fat in Women

Recent research has shed light on the challenges faced by women suffering from lipoedema, a condition characterized by the accumulation of painful fatty tissue, primarily on the thighs and calves. A study conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) reveals that traditional dieting methods are largely ineffective in reducing the fat associated with this condition.

Lipoedema affects many women, yet it remains poorly understood. Affected individuals often experience both physical pain and societal stigma. The recent findings published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition highlight the limitations of dietary interventions in managing this condition.

According to Julianne Lundanes, a researcher who conducted the study, the disease is often misidentified and misunderstood, which adds to the distress of those living with it. The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of two different dietary approaches on various health metrics, including pain levels, quality of life, body weight, and inflammation.

Women diagnosed with lipoedema typically find that standard weight-loss diets yield little success. In a study involving 70 participants aged between 19 and 73, one group adhered to a low-carbohydrate diet while the other followed a low-fat regimen. Both groups maintained a caloric intake of approximately 1,200 calories per day. The results indicated that while the low-carb group reported a reduction in pain levels, the low-fat group did not experience any significant changes in discomfort.

Despite the pain reduction observed in the low-carb diet group, the study found no substantial differences in inflammation levels between the two dietary approaches, suggesting that the pain relief may not be directly linked to reduced inflammation in the body.

Participants on the low-carb diet lost more weight and reported feeling less hungry compared to those on the low-fat diet. This finding aligns with known benefits of low-carb diets, particularly after achieving ketosis.

While there is currently no definitive treatment to cure lipoedema, options like liposuction exist, though they are typically available only through research studies or at significant personal cost. The absence of national treatment guidelines in Norway complicates access to appropriate care, leaving many women to navigate their treatment options on an individual basis.

Compression garments, which apply pressure to affected areas, are widely utilized to alleviate some symptoms. Many women report that these garments help manage pain and improve their daily functioning.

As awareness of lipoedema grows, there is hope that further research will lead to better understanding and treatment options for this often-misunderstood condition. The need for comprehensive care protocols remains urgent, as many affected individuals continue to experience pain and limitations in their daily lives.