What should I eat for lipoedema?

Losing weight with lipoedema: switching to an adapted diet

Many lipoedema patients are overweight or obese and want to lose weight. But how is this possible? What effect does an adapted diet have on lipoedema? In the case of lipoedema and obesity, the body volume can be reduced with a suitable diet. The combination of nutritional, exercise and behavioral therapy measures helps to reduce weight and pain as well as the associated symptoms as far as possible. Long-term stabilization can also be achieved.

How do I eat right? How you can benefit from a balanced diet as a lipoedema patient

The aim is to maintain or regain mobility and functionality of the body and to prevent the disease from progressing. Diet and lifestyle have a significant impact on the symptoms. When losing weight, however, the focus should not be on achieving an “ideal” body weight, but on relieving pain, physical well-being and promoting fitness.

Caroline Sprott emphasizes healthy eating due to lipoedema

An adapted diet helps to prevent secondary diseases associated with obesity, such as orthopaedic complications, obesity-associated lymphoedema and cardiovascular diseases. Eating habits have a favorable or unfavorable influence on blood sugar and insulin levels, among other things. High insulin levels promote fat storage and inflammatory processes and should therefore be avoided.

Different clinical pictures: Lipoedema and obesity

Lipoedema and obesity are two different issues: Lipoedema is a painful fat distribution disorder on the extremities, whereas in obesity the increase in volume affects the whole body and often occurs concomitantly. Genetic factors are probably involved in the development of lipoedema - the disease generally occurs regardless of body weight.

How can you lose weight despite lipoedema and what does it do?

Both weight reduction and permanent weight stabilization can be achieved through an appropriate diet. This is why early education about the clinical picture of lipoedema and the relevance of a healthy lifestyle is crucial as soon as the diagnosis is made.

Reduce pain and other complaints

Individual nutrition and exercise programs enable stable disease progression without a significant increase in body circumference and weight: lipoedema patients can reduce their symptoms and pain by up to 80 percent with a long-term change in diet. This was shown in a study at the Center for Vascular Medicine in Hamburg with obese lipoedema patients. In addition, fewer treatments were necessary.¹

Mediterranean diet for lipoedema: Anti-inflammatory and stabilizing for blood sugar

The Mediterranean diet has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be hypocaloric (low in energy) if necessary. It is based on the eating habits of people who live in the Mediterranean region and is based on fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish, white meat and olive oil. In addition to reducing inflammation, the positive effects also include improved cholesterol levels and a stable blood sugar level.

Trend colors Model Ursula cuts fruit as an element of a Mediterranean diet

Ketogenic diet for lipoedema: boost fat burning and lose weight

Due to its anti-inflammatory and symptom-reducing effects, the ketogenic diet is suitable for lipoedema patients: The ketogenic diet is a special form of low-carb diet. It involves eating only a few carbohydrates, but lots of healthy fats. This puts the body into a state of ketosis - where it processes fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary source of energy. This change in energy production helps to reduce inflammation in the body, alleviate pain and improve quality of life. An additional side effect: patients can lose weight with the ketogenic diet.

Losing and maintaining weight with lipoedema: tips for a healthy diet

A healthy and varied diet and sufficient fluids can support the positive effects of treatment for lipoedema and counteract possible secondary diseases.

Reduce lipoedema and lymphoedema symptoms with a healthy and balanced diet

Fruit and vegetables: Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables provide you with all the important substances your body needs. We recommend two portions of fruit and three portions of vegetables a day. You can have more portions of vegetables because, unlike fruit, they do not affect blood sugar levels. This means that you stay full for longer. Use the traffic light principle for variety on your plate: treat yourself to green, yellow and red fruit as well as low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchinis and broccoli. When choosing fruit, please avoid fruits with a high sugar content, such as pineapple, grapes or bananas.
Healthy fat: Fat is not bad per se. Linseed oil, seeds, avocados and nuts are very important for the body. You should reduce fats in baked goods, margarine or sunflower oil.
Meat, sausage and cheese: Make sure you consume meat, sausage and cheese consciously. Meat is part of the ketogenic diet, whereas the Mediterranean diet tends to avoid it.
Blood sugar level: Avoid foods that quickly spike your blood sugar: These include ready-made products, jam, soft drinks, sweets, foods made from white flour, such as baguettes, bread rolls, toast, cookies and much more.

Breaks between meals: A lot of energy is consumed during a meal that the body does not use up immediately. This excess energy is therefore stored in the body in the form of fat or glycogen, i.e. a carbohydrate. The body uses this between meals. If the time between meals is too short, you consume more energy than you need. This is then stored as fat deposits.
Less salt: Eat a low-salt diet, as salt binds water in the tissue.
Drink enough: It's best to drink at least two liters, for example water or unsweetened tea. Avoid sugary soft drinks and juices. They contain unnecessary calories. And please avoid alcohol.
Exercise: Exercise also helps you to feel good in your own body and reduce stress. Regular walks in the fresh air are particularly suitable.

A healthy diet for lipoedema: cooking for pleasure and health yourself

Eating should always be done consciously - not on the side. This mindful process begins with the purchase of the food and extends to the preparation and consumption of the food. If you cook yourself, you know the quality of the ingredients. We have put together some recipes for you that are particularly suitable for a balanced diet with lipoedema.