Celebrating the Milestones in Lipedema Awareness in 2024!
And a look forward to 2025
A lot has happened for lipedema in 2024, from research to resources to increased awareness about our condition. Here’s a rundown of most of our accomplishments for the year:
The Lipedema Foundation has expanded its resources for us. This includes:
The LF Provider Directory is a tool that helps people with Lipedema and providers connect with specialists in their area. This is a scrolling list of therapists state-by-state who are specialized in lipedema treatment.
Clinician’s Guide to Lipedema is designed to aid healthcare professionals in understanding, diagnosing and managing Lipedema. It is a downloadable page that you can copy and bring with you to your doctor visits. The guide includes insights on common presentation, physical examinations, patient history, ICD codes, treatments, and referrals, empowering clinicians to provide timely and accurate care.
The Lipedema Treatments page is a beautiful visual graphic (see below) showing a holistic way of managing lipedema with conservative therapy. It provides a comprehensive guide to various therapies, from reducing inflammation to enhancing mobility and managing pain:
I love this foundation; it is the most comprehensive entity that pushes awareness and treatment for lipedema.
Lipedema Awareness has made it to mainstream media!
When I was diagnosed in 2021, there was very little information on the internet about lipedema. In the past three years, I’ve watched an explosion of information as more and more women talk about lipedema.
In 2024, here is a glimpse at two articles written about lipedema:
July 7, 2024: The Times UK: ‘I was told I had fat legs — but it was an incurable disease’
A short article about lipedema and spreading awareness in the UK. Did you know that some private insurance companies in the UK cover liposuction surgery? I didn’t!
November 13, 2024: The New York Post: '‘I was bullied for having a ‘puffy’ body — but now I’m proud of it”
Although this isn’t my favorite article for many reasons, it does bring to light the problem we have with body image, fat bias, and the impact of social media on lipedema awareness. Her story was also highlighted in news.com.au. an Australian online news forum (and a much better read).
Other Highlights from 2024 (click the purple links to explore more!):
Lymphapress held roundtables every 3rd Wednesday of the month in 2024, and has a different topic with each live, and has a panel of women who are steeped in the lipedema community. You can access the recorded roundtables here.
Lipedema has its own Wikipedia page! It gives basic information about our condition and treatment, including liposuction surgery.
Lipedema Simplified had quite a few virtual events that bring together patients and practitioners to give the most useful information we need for managing our disease, plus a ton of support! This year in 2024 included their Heart to Heart Event, and some masterclasses on surgery and conservative care (many of them involving yours truly!)
Pennington Biomedical Research in Baton Rouge, LA started recruiting lipedema women for new possible treatments. I’ve bookmarked this to follow, I’m very curious what they’ll find!
Lipedema Foundation's Live Research at FDRS 2024: During the FDRS conference, LF gathered live data from conference participants that could enhance the understanding of our disease.
Lipedema Foundation created LEGWORK, a clinical trial finder. They also have the LEGATO Library, with several (over 750!) resource articles.
All of this information is so important for increasing Lipedema Awareness, and I’m thrilled that our condition is getting more recognition and research.
What's on the Horizon for Lipedema Awareness in 2025? (click purple links for more info!)
FDRS Conference, March 21-23, 2025/Atlanta, GA:
I’m looking forward to attending the annual Fat Disorders Resource Society Conference this year. I went in 2024 and was so inspired, I decided to attend again. I highly recommend looking into this event if you haven’t heard of it. There is a virtual attendance option if you can’t make it in-person. Here’s the link.
Lipoedema Symposium, March 30, 2025:
Located in Sydney, Australia, this is a comprehensive full-day event, organized by the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), will feature expert-led sessions on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, nutrition, and psychological aspects of lipoedema.
Heart to Heart 3-Day Virtual Event Conference, April 25-27, 2025:
I will be the main speaker for this event, which is an interactive virtual conference designed to provide clarity, confidence, and practical tools for navigating the complexities of lipedema care, including surgical options.
Lipedema Awareness Month, June 2025:
Observed in June, this month-long campaign focuses on raising awareness about lipedema through various activities, educational materials, and community engagement.
Lipoedema Australia Conference, August 2025
Scheduled for August 2025 in Canberra, this conference aims to bring together patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers to discuss the latest developments in lipoedema diagnosis, treatment, and support.
There is a lot out there, and I anticipate more coming this next year! I’ll keep you updated as much as I’m able. I’ll pass along resources and practical help for managing this very underrecognized and complex disease.
As this year comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for being part of this journey. Whether you've joined my newsletter to learn more about lipedema, found comfort in shared experiences, or stopped by out of curiosity, your presence has made this a space of connection, understanding, and hope.
I am endlessly grateful for the strength and support from you. I always say that lipedema women are some of the most fearless and tenacious bunch! We have been conditioned to stand up for ourselves, and I am so honored to know you. Together, we've raised awareness, shared knowledge, and proven that no one has to walk this path alone.
As we step into a new year, I hope you carry with you a sense of empowerment, self-compassion, and determination to keep striving for better days. Know that you are seen, valued, and never alone in your journey.
Here's to a brighter year ahead—one filled with progress, peace, and joy. Thank you for being here, for sharing your stories, and for making a difference in ways big and small. Together, we can do this!
Happy New Year with all my heart,
Michelle