Lipedema

An evidence-based guide to current understanding of lipedema, its causes and possible treatments, addressing what is known through human studies, what is unknown and needs investigating, and what is likely to emerge. Lipedema (or lipoedema) is a chronic lymphatic disorder in which abnormal levels of fat build up disproportionately in certain areas of the body, most commonly the hips, bottom and legs. Almost exclusively affecting women, who may seek help for years only to be met with ongoing anti-fat stereotyping, its significant life-changing impact has only recently been recognized, clinically and in terms of research funding. Even though research is now accelerating, there is still much left to be discovered. This book brings together the current knowns, unknowns and conjectures as a comprehensive resource for researchers, clinicians and patients seeking a roadmap to potentially improving the lives of up to 17 million women in the US and 350 million worldwide.

Dr Stanley G Rockson MD is the Allan and Tina Neill Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Society of Vascular Medicine, American College of Angiology, and American College of Physicians, as well as a member of the International Society of Lymphology, American Society of Internal Medicine, and the Paul Dudley White Society, among others. As a principal investigator or co-investigator, he has been involved in numerous clinical trials researching various aspects of lymphatic disease, vascular biology and cardiovascular medicine. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Lymphatic Research and Biology and sits on the editorial board of Angiology and works closely with National Institutes of Health, in an advisory capacity to advance the agenda for lymphatic research. He has authored more than 250 scientific papers, reviews, book chapters, and books devoted to various aspects of lymphatic biology and disease, vascular biology, and cardiovascular medicine.

Leslyn Keith OTD is a certified lymphedema therapist with a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy emphasizing lymphedema and obesity. She has started four lymphedema therapy programs in California, including two in private practice, and has treated lymphatic and fat disorders for over 20 years. She currently researches, consults, and lectures on lymphedema, lipedema, and obesity nationally and internationally. She is the author of two books and several articles about the efficacy of a ketogenic diet for lymphatic and fat disorders. She is the Director of Research and Board President for The Lipedema Project and an instructor in lymphedema therapy for Klose Training.

Catherine Seo PhD is Founder & CEO of Lipedema Simplified, LLC & Lipedema Project, Inc., organizations dedicated to bringing awareness about lipedema through education and research. She produced and directed the documentary, The Disease They Call FAT, which chronicled her world-wide journey to find answers when she was diagnosed with lipedema herself. Dr. Seo co-authored the book Lipedema-The Disease They Call FAT: An Overview for Clinicians and several lipedema papers published in peer-reviewed journals. She holds a doctorate in Media Psychology and has focused on empowering women who experience the distortions of body image as represented in the media by applying self-compassion and other meditation techniques. Dr. Seo developed a Holistic Approach inclusive of 5 areas for treating lipedema: 1) physical, 2) mental/ psychological, 3) emotional, 4) spiritual, and 5) social. She has dedicated over 40 years to learning and teaching how to bring knowledge, compassion, and humor to living with a chronic condition.