Lipedema and the Ketogenic Diet

Lipedema is a debilitating condition that causes both physical and psychological pain.


It is characterised by an excessive amount of fat being stored throughout the lower half of the body (typically the calves, thighs and buttocks) and for some people, if left untreated, can begin to develop in the abdomen and arms too.


The affected areas often feel tender and bruise easily. The fat under the skin will also look "lumpy". As the excess fat begins to build up, the lymphatic system can become affected which often leads to a condition called lymphedema. This creates even more discomfort and pain.


Medical science is unsure as to what causes this condition. Some data suggests that genetics and female hormones play a role as the condition usually develops around puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Most people affected by this condition usually have family members with lipedema too.


Despite genetics playing a potential role in this condition, there are some interventions that can help!


We are often lead to believe that if a condition is genetic that there is nothing we can do but that is not true. Our diet, lifestyle and nutrient consumption has a direct effect on the way our genes express.


Adopting a low-carb diet can help to reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with lipedema. If this proves to assist the condition you may choose to take it a step further and engage in a ketogenic style of eating to further reduce any discomfort. Ketogenic eating can also help to reduce some of the fatty deposits and prevent further deposits from developing.


A ketogenic diet will help your body to enter a state called ketosis. When this occurs, the body begins to send stored fat to the liver for processing. The fat is converted into ketones and those ketones are used for fuel.


Ketogenic diets are known to promote rapid fat loss and can provide many lipedema sufferers with relief from their condition.


Ketogenic eating can also help to balance the female hormones that may be contributing to the condition.


Certain herbs and nutrients can improve the appearance of lipedema while providing relief from pain and discomfort. If hormones have played a role in the development of lipedema, herbs can also help to balance the hormones which in turn, can prevent further fatty deposits from developing.


Gentle exercise is always recommended, it is important to keep the body moving to maintain mobility, flexibility and healthy circulation.


Lymphatic massage is helpful when lipedema is present with lymphedema, this style of massage can help to "flush" the lymphatic system which can improve the appearance of fluid retention in the limbs.