Lipoedema (lipalgia): an overview with recommendations

Lipoedema (lipalgia) is a condition that is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphoedema, which can result in mismanagement of treatment leading to poor mental and physical outcomes. It is a condition that is predominately seen in those assigned female at birth and rarely identified at an early age. Inconsistencies regarding criteria used for diagnosis and staging has led to challenges in the reliability of treatment options available for people with the condition. Poor diagnosis can substantially impact on a person's quality of life in terms of mental health, physical health and finances. Lipoedema has different stages and classifications according to visual characteristics. Recommended developments of practice include the setting up of a diagnostic criteria to identify key symptoms of lipoedema, which can help practitioners consider effective treatment options alongside diet, exercise, compression therapy and skin care as part of the overall treatment plan.