Lipoedema: Poor Knowledge, Neglect or Disinterest

Bosman J; 2011

Synopsis: This article presents the outcomes of a lipoedema workshop, as part of the 3rd International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) conference in Toronto. Participants tried to determine why there is so little knowledge or research about lipedema. The article also provides information on lipedema, including epidemiology, and treatment options.

Abstract: At the 3rd International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) conference in Toronto, an attempt was made to begin to try to address this issue. Over thirty people attended a lipoedema workshop run by the author. In this workshop, I had the opportunity to talk to this international group (Canada, USA, Netherlands, Australia, UK, Germany) who shared their experiences from across the world. One of the goals of the workshop was to create an initial broad consensus about the worldwide diagnosis and management of lipoedema. The outcomes of that workshop are presented in the following report.

Keywords: lipedema, lipoedema, epidemiology, treatment, management, international, conference, workshop