In loving memory of our dear friend and colleague, Kate.

Lipoedema is almost certainly a genetic inherited condition because there is often more than one family member affected. It is thought to only affect women but there are very rare reports of men with similar signs and symptoms.

Although Lipoedema was first recognised in the 1940s, very little research has been done into the disease. It is in very few medical text books and rarely taught in medical schools and so few health professionals even know it exists. As a result, Lipoedema is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphoedema;

Lack of diagnosis means that sufferers don’t get appropriate treatment or advice in order to prevent secondary health problems such as osteoarthritis, varicose veins, lymphoedema, and eating disorders developing.

Lipoedema UK is raising awareness of Lipoedema in the UK and currently working with the Royal College of General Practitioners to train Dr’s, nurses and all health care professionals to recognise and diagnose the condition.