Current Evidence-Based Clinical Nutritional Approaches in Lipedema: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Lipedema, a chronic condition primarily affecting women, is characterized by abnormal subcutaneous fat accumulation and swelling in the extremities (while sparing the hands, feet, and trunk). This disease is associated with genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, impaired lymphatic function, and vascular dysfunction. Lipedema does not directly cause weight gain, but excess weight can worsen symptoms and accelerate disease progression. Bariatric surgery is considered a treatment option for body weight management and reduction of subcutaneous fat; however, reported studies have indicated that this treatment cannot reduce localized fat accumulation or fat cell hypertrophy or alleviate pain symptoms. Although no proven dietary treatment currently exists, nutrition plays a key role in managing lipedema. Certain dietary approaches such as ketogenic, low-carbohydrate, and modified Mediterranean diets have been explored for weight management and inflammation reduction in lipedema, with studies showing positive effects on body composition and pain. However, according to the current literature no evidence-based nutritional treatments or nutritional supplements are effective in this patient group. Nutritional therapy in lipedema is complicated by frequent comorbidities; therefore, precision nutritional therapy should be planned by evaluating the causes and consequences of the disease. In this review, we evaluated reported studies of current evidence-based clinical nutritional approaches to lipedema treatment.