Dietary Interventions in the Management of Lipedema: A Literature Review

Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder characterized by the accumulation of fat in the lower limbs. It affects up to 11% of women, yet it is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. While lipedema fat is resistant to conventional weight loss methods, there is growing evidence that dietary interventions may alleviate symptoms such as pain, swelling and heaviness. This review summarizes the current literature on nutritional strategies for managing lipedema, examining the impact of anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean, low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, gluten-free and low-sodium diets. Despite the limited availability of high-quality research, existing studies and patient reports suggest that these dietary interventions may reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and support the management of comorbid obesity. Nutritional modifications may help to modulate inflammation, stabilize insulin levels and support lymphatic function. The review also emphasizes the importance of emotional and psychological aspects of the disease, because many patients experience eating disorders or distress about their body image. While diet alone cannot cure lipedema, when combined with conservative therapies such as compression, exercise, and manual lymphatic drainage, it can be an effective component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Further clinical trials are required to clarify the mechanisms and long-term outcomes of dietary interventions. A personalized nutritional approach should be considered a central element of multidisciplinary care, tailored to the individual's needs, comorbidities and preferences, in order to improve adherence and long-term health outcomes.