Every June, Lipedema Awareness Month shines a spotlight on a condition that affects an estimated 11% of women worldwide, yet remains largely misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and under-treated. At Lipedema Surgical Solutions, awareness is more than a moment. It’s a movement. And this year, we’re dedicating Lipedema Awareness Month 2025 to empowering women through education, support, and action.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, struggling to find answers, or seeking better treatment options, this month is about you. Your story, your health, and your right to compassionate, informed care.
What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that primarily affects women, causing an accumulation of adipose tissue (fat) in the legs, thighs, hips, and occasionally the arms. Unlike common obesity, lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise and is often accompanied by pain, easy bruising, and swelling.
Despite being first described in the 1940s, lipedema is frequently confused with lifestyle-induced weight gain or lymphedema. This mischaracterization not only delays diagnosis but can also lead to feelings of shame, dismissal, and worsening of symptoms. Raising awareness is essential to changing this narrative.
Lipedema Awareness Month 2025: This Year’s Theme
“Knowledge is Power. Support is Strength.”
This year, we are focusing on providing resources that help women advocate for themselves and access the care they deserve. Lipedema doesn’t just affect the body; it impacts mental health, relationships, and quality of life. Having the right tools and community can make all the difference.
Know the Signs
If you or someone you love has been told to “just lose weight” or “try harder” without relief, it may be time to explore the possibility of lipedema. Common signs include:
- Disproportionately large hips, thighs, or legs compared to the upper body
- Fat that is painful or tender to the touch
- Easy bruising in the legs or arms
- Swelling that worsens throughout the day
- Fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise
- A family history of similar body patterns or leg pain
Early recognition is crucial for slowing disease progression and accessing effective therapies.
Resources for Diagnosis and Treatment
Too many women spend years—even decades—looking for answers. That ends now. Below are some of the most trusted, helpful resources available for women navigating a potential or confirmed lipedema diagnosis:
Informational Guides and Diagnostic Tools
Community and Support
- Lipedema Simplified / The Lipedema Project
- Facebook support groups:Â
- NLN LymphNotes Support Directory
Medical Care and Surgery
- Lipedema Surgical Solutions: Our team, led by Dr. Thomas Wright, specializes in comprehensive treatment plans including lipedema reduction surgery, conservative therapies, and insurance guidance.
- The National Lymphedema Network (NLN): Resources on compression, CDT therapy, and lymphatic health
- Lipedema Insured: Learn how to get insurance coverage for treatments and surgery, save thousands on medical expenses, and master the art of advocating for yourself with doctors and insurers.
Taking Action This Month
Here are 4 ways you can get involved during Lipedema Awareness Month:
- Share Your Story. Whether online or in-person, your voice can help someone else feel seen.
- Schedule a Consultation. Early diagnosis changes lives. Book a visit with a knowledgeable provider.
- Join a Support Group. Find encouragement and guidance from women who understand your journey.
- Advocate for Policy Change. Contact your legislators to request insurance reform and better support for fat disorders.
From Awareness to Empowerment
At Lipedema Surgical Solutions, we see firsthand how empowering the right diagnosis and treatment can be. Women who have spent years in pain, dismissed by the medical system, often experience profound relief, not just physically, but emotionally, when they realize their symptoms are real, recognized, and treatable.
This Lipedema Awareness Month, we honor the resilience of every woman who has fought to be heard. We stand beside you. And we promise to keep pushing until awareness becomes action and every woman with lipedema has access to the care she needs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with Dr. Wright and the Lipedema Surgical Solutions team. Whether you need answers, support, or a second opinion, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Visit www.lipedema.net or call us at (636) 614-1665 to learn more.
