Nutrition for lipedema goes beyond weight control

Nutrition for lipedema goes beyond weight control


Lipedema was only recognized as part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) in 2022

The model Yasmine Brunet He commented publicly that he suffers from lipedema, a chronic vascular disease, with genetic causes and disproportionate accumulation of fat in the body. He shared that lifestyle changes contributed to his weight loss. This included completely eliminating gluten, reducing lactose consumption, eating a healthy diet, and exercising daily. The nutritionist Camilla Simões states that the concern during treatment goes beyond controlling fat percentage and weight. The goal is to relieve the patient’s symptoms, since lipedema causes local inflammation, which can cause pain and discomfort that impairs quality of life.




According to the expert, the anti-inflammatory diet helps control fluid retention and inflammation caused by the disproportionate accumulation of fat in lipedema. “It consists of as few processed and ultra-processed foods as possible, a greater quantity of vegetables, fruit and legumes, a low consumption of sugars, a good proportion of lean proteins and fish rich in omega 3,” he underlines.

However, Camilla warns that foods rich in sugar, white flour, sodium, i.e. processed foods, in general, should be avoided. She emphasizes that it is essential to eat a diet rich in nutrients and phytochemicals to control weight and relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of lipedema.

Physical activity, hydration and integration

According to the nutritionist, exercise plays an important role in the management of lipedema, promoting circulation, maintaining muscle mass, reducing body fat and increasing the patient’s energy expenditure. “The authorization for physical exercises must be carried out by the responsible doctor, since the modalities vary depending on the degree of lipedema and the amount of symptoms that the patient presents, since low-impact activities and weight training are often the most recommended”, he clarifies.

Camilla emphasizes that everyone should stay hydrated to maintain health, lymphatic and blood flow. However, in the case of lipedema, staying hydrated helps control fluid retention and improve circulation. As for supplements, the specialist underlines that some nutrients are used, such as omega 3, vitamin D, zinc and antioxidants to improve and enhance the anti-inflammatory effects.

Source: Terra

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