We are excited to share the highlights of the Symposium on Lipedema held in New York City April 17-18, 2015. Top medical researchers, surgeons, physicians, therapists, patients, and advocates from around the world came together in support of finding a cure for this often misunderstood (and misdiagnosed) disease. There were 4 events: the CME course Setting the Research Agenda For Lipedema: Steps Towards a Cure, directed by Mark L. Smith, MD, FACS; a cocktail reception and film premiere for the lipedema documentary, The Disease They Call FAT, a film by filmmaker and patient Catherine Seo, PhD; a Think Tank with 36 professionals and advocates collaboratively setting a research agenda for lipedema; and a Forum for lipedema patients, their supporters and therapists with numerous sessions about lipedema diagnosis, treatment and care.

About The Lipedema Project

The Lipedema Project was founded in 2014 by Dr. Mark L. Smith, MD, FACS and Catherine Seo, PhD to begin the research and treatment for lipedema, a chronic fat disorder. Lipedema is a disease involving abnormal fat deposition that can result in pain, immobility, and lymphatic disturbances. Lipedema progresses over time often developing lymphedema, a chronic condition called lipolymphedema.

With obesity reaching epidemic proportions and anti-fat bias prevalent in healthcare, it becomes critical that patients are correctly diagnosed, that resources are invested in understanding this disease and how it can be treated, and that patients have the support, knowledge, and options to manage these chronic conditions.

Currently, The Lipedema Project, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted to increasing awareness and providing education, research, and treatment for lipedema through online and face-to-face programs and building community.

The lipedema documentary is available for viewing on Facebook, Lipedema – The Disease They Call FAT.
The book is available on Amazon, Lipedema – The Disease They Call FAT: An Overview for Clinicians.