Lipedema: Delayed Diagnosis Due to Confusion with Obesity Affects Millions
Madrid, March 25, 2026 – The delayed diagnosis of lipedema is primarily due to its frequent misdiagnosis as obesity, despite affecting an estimated two million women in Spain and 400 million worldwide, according to Dr. Curro Millán, a lipedema expert and member of the ViaCare Lipedema and Lymphedema Unit.
Dr. Millán highlighted this issue during a conference focused on diet, treatment, and lifestyle management of lipedema, hosted by ViaCare, a medical center within the Viamed Salud health group. The event inaugurated the ‘ViaCare Breakfast’ cycle, emphasizing the importance of advanced technology and dedicated patient care.
Differential Diagnosis: A Key Challenge
“The biggest problem lies in the differential diagnosis,” Dr. Millán explained, noting the challenges in distinguishing lipedema from other conditions. He emphasized that lipedema and lymphedema are distinct issues, often confused with metabolic syndrome and cellulitis, necessitating more accurate diagnostic approaches.
Recognized as a distinct pathology by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, lipedema has historically been “underdiagnosed” and “neglected” by the medical community, according to Dr. Millán. He described it as a “young” disease requiring increased awareness and research.
Social and Psychological Impact
Lipedema significantly impacts women, causing not only pain but also altering fatty tissue distribution, particularly in the arms and legs. Dr. Millán noted its multifactorial nature, involving genetic and hormonal influences. Symptoms include pain, tingling, and anatomical disproportion.
Even as awareness is growing among newer primary care physicians and specialists, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial, with endocrinology playing a particularly important role. Dr. Iris de Luna, a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Diabetes of the Community of Madrid (SENDIMAD) and a ViaCare endocrinologist, emphasized the importance of “precision nutrition,” targeted body treatments, and emotional self-care routines.
Nutritional Strategies for Lipedema Management
Dr. De Luna stressed the require for a comprehensive medical history and a focus on long-term, sustainable measures. Nutritional treatment aims to modulate the inflammatory response by prioritizing food quality over calorie counting and reducing volume. Key dietary recommendations include:
- Eliminating gluten due to its inflammatory properties.
- Avoiding toxins like alcohol and endocrine disruptors found in certain chemicals and cosmetics.
- Increasing intake of vitamin C for its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Consuming omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Practicing 12-hour overnight fasting or intermittent fasting to optimize liver function.
Pharmacological and Surgical Interventions
Dr. De Luna noted that medication may be necessary in some cases, but is not always required. She mentioned ongoing research into the use of drugs like ‘Mounjaro’ (tirzepatide) for lipedema, currently indicated for use in conjunction with obesity.
Dr. Millán affirmed that surgery is a “safe” and “effective” treatment for reducing volume and alleviating symptoms, but emphasized that it should be considered after controlling the underlying causes of the disease. He stated that the decision for surgery ultimately rests with the patient.
The Role of Physiotherapy and Holistic Approaches
Dr. Millán highlighted the importance of physiotherapy and acknowledged the impact of external factors such as meal timing, sun exposure, and environmental influences. He also mentioned the potential benefits of ultrasound, DXA densitometry, and muscle strengthening exercises.
Both Dr. Millán and Dr. De Luna emphasized the need for further research into this “latest disease,” noting that up to one-third of patients may experience thyroid problems, reinforcing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
Patient Perspective and Addressing Stigma
The conference included testimonials from patients, including Sheila Ocaña, who shared her experience of being misdiagnosed as obese for 40 years before receiving a lipedema diagnosis. Patients also highlighted the stigma associated with the condition.
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