What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema (also known as Lipedema in the USA and Europe) is a chronic condition, that predominantly affects women. It usually begins around puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Changes may develop in the fat around the legs, hips, buttocks, and arms. The legs and hips may become larger and appear out of proportion with the rest of the body, as the waist and upper body remain smaller. Hands and feet may not be affected.
Watch our brand new video on diagnosing lipoedema
Our new video on diagnosing lipoedema will help your GP or healthcare professional identify the symptoms of lipoedema. Share it with your GP surgery now!
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Our Vision
We have a vision for the future that everyone with lipoedema will be given an accurate diagnosis with access to an appropriate range of services and support with self management.
Who we support
Talk Lipoedema is a registered charity that is active across the UK. We provide information and support to people with lipoedema their families and carers online support groups. We also bring people together through our online activities and Lipoedema Lounge events, face-to-face local roadshows and national conferences.
We believe that education is key to empowering people with lipoedema and improving treatment and care. Talk Lipoedema also initiates and participates in various projects to increase awareness of the condition and improve research evidence. Get Involved
Find out more about lipoedema
Scoping Report
Talk Lipoedema recently completed a project looking at lipoedema in Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government. If you would like to read more about our project and our findings, you can download our Scoping Report.
Learn about Lipoedema
Do I have Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a condition of the fat and connective tissue. It mainly affects women, and often starts to develop around late childhood, puberty or times of hormonal change. Most people first notice changes in the shape of their legs and ankles. Some possible signs of lipoedema may be fat tissue changes that alter the size and shape of the legs, buttocks, hip, tummy (abdomen) and/or upper arms.
Getting help with Lipoedema
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with lipoedema, or have had a diagnosis some time ago, you are likely to find it helpful to talk with others about your situation. If you can talk with close friends and family, let them know about what you have learned about lipoedema and how it has affected you over the years.
Find out more about Lipoedema
Medical science is still trying to understand lipoedema, and we do not know what triggers lipoedema to develop. There is some good scientific evidence from recent years of the genetic and epigenetic influences on lipoedema, linked to our family history, and how our environment affects us.
"I have found my tribe. I am no longer alone "
Our Stories
Fiona's Story
I was in my sixties before I was diagnosed. I spent years going back and forward to my GP, worried about the increasing swelling in my legs.
Karen's Story
I have come a long way on my lipoedema journey in the last 6 months,in September 2021 I met Anne Williams from Talk Lipoedema and was finally given a diagnosis.
