Lipedema with Dr. Ben Bikman

Dr. Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist and expert in cell biology, welcomes his audience to a discussion on lipedema, a topic he’s been asked about frequently. He highlights the importance of addressing insulin resistance through diet.
Ben begins by providing a primer on adipose tissue, explaining its composition and the role of fat cells and fibroblasts. He delves into the structural changes in collagen within fat tissue, particularly in lipedema, where there's an overproduction of collagen leading to increased rigidity and compression on fat cells and nerves.
The lecture explores why lipedema predominantly affects women, linking it to hormonal changes, particularly increases in estrogen levels during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Ben explains how estrogen influences fibroblast activity, leading to excessive collagen production and fibrosis in lipedema.
The discussion then delves into the mechanisms of pain in lipedema, attributing it to both mechanical pressure on nerves and biochemical factors such as inflammation. Finally, Ben explores various treatment approaches, including compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and low-carbohydrate diets, which have shown promise in reducing pain and improving quality of life in women with lipedema.
Throughout the lecture, Dr. Bikman emphasizes a paradigm shift in understanding lipedema as a disorder of connective tissue rather than fat cells alone, offering insights into its pathophysiology and potential therapeutic interventions. He concludes by highlighting recent research supporting the efficacy of low-carbohydrate diets in managing lipedema.
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01:59 - Adipocyte Structure
04:43 - Collagen Alterations in Lipedema
06:57 - Estrogen’s Role in Lipedema
10:10 - Mechanical Factors Contributing to Pain
11:07 - Biochemical Factors Contributing to Pain
14:11 - Therapeutic Interventions for Lipedema
23:27 - Impact of Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Pain Reduction
30:14 - Insights into Fat Cell Function and Hormonal Influence
37:31 - Summary
Effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on pain and quality of life in female patients with lipedema: a randomized controlled trial - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38627016
The Benefits of Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat (LCHF) Diet on Body Composition, Leg Volume, and Pain in Women with Lipedema - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38026822
Dr. Bikman’s website: www.insuliniq.com
#Lipedema #Lipadema #LipedemaAwareness #Lipoedema #LipedemaSupport #LipedemaTreatment #LipedemaSurgery #LipedemaTherapy #LipedemaDiet #LipedemaLegs #InsulinResistance #InsulinResistanceAwareness #InsulinResistanceDiet #InsulinSensitivity #MetabolicSyndrome #Type2Diabetes #BloodSugarControl #InsulinResistanceSupport #HealthyLiving #diabetesprevention

[@SharrellKline]

Success story: I learned I have lipedema a year ago at age 63. It began developing at age 13 in my thighs and upper arms. It progressed down through my limbs, and my ankles began cuffing in my thirties. By the time I was diagnosed last year it had reached my wrists. I started on the carnivore diet a year ago and have lost 70 lb. I do not say this lightly as I am a raging sugar and carb addict and fight cravings every single day. That may be the case forever. I went from a size 18 to a size 2, so you can get smaller. But my upper arms, thighs, and calves are still larger in comparison to the rest of me. Surgery is not an option as I am retired outside the US and cannot afford it. I will be managing it through diet, exercise including in the pool, and compression. I just want to share with others that carnivore has really made a difference. The aches and shooting pains are gone and the hideous constant bruising. I hope someday there is a way to soften the nodules but I know that I will probably always have the bags of nodules hanging from my upper arms, inner thighs, and the back of my calves.

[@miriam2909]

I’m so happy for you. ❤❤❤ I think carnivore is absolutely the way forward for you.😊😊

[@insuliniq]

Thanks for sharing your experience with this.

[@sandraweber]

This is amazing!!! Such an encouraging outcome for others going through this experience.

[@evakuhlbornefelt34]

FSM (frequency specific microcurrent) may be able to break the stubborn tissue nodules down.

[@kzp5249]

That is wonderful to hear. Did you have weight loss from the onset of going carnivore? Do you have any other health conditions like diabetes?

[@sandraweber]

As a massage therapist, this episode has me acting like a kid a Christmas!!!!! So many of my clients are suffering terrible pain due to this and other tissue pathologies!!! Thank you for all your work!!!

[@SueWoledge]

Yes! Another massage therapist here and I’m the same!

[@catherined7607]

me too - RMT for 28 years and a Vodder trained manual lymph drainage/complete decongestive therapist (MLD/CDT) for that entire time. This has been a completely ignored condition for most of my career. It is epic that there is an entire video on it now. Progress is being made 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@brenajean]

As an awareness advocate that has Lipedema and has been sharing my own story, I am DEEPLY appreciative of this level of explanation. I will honestly be studying this for a while. 🙏🏾 Thank you!

[@ItalianGoneCarnivore]

Thank you for posting this, Dr Bikman. I have Lipedema and I went very low carb for ten months, then meat and eggs carnivore for two years (and counting).. I am down 198 lbs and no longer have pain in my fat! I have way less swelling, if any, and am doing great. Weight loss is critical for aiding in alleviating the nasty pain and swelling of Lipedema. I may have deflated balloons for legs.. but I am without pain and healthy! Thank God!

[@insuliniq]

Good for you. Thanks for sharing.

[@fermoycailin]

Research papers seem to only refer to lipedema fat in the limbs however many many sufferers of lipedema report having it all over. Specialist surgeons in Germany report finding it in all parts of the body including abdomen, back, under the chin and in the scalp. I can feel it under my skin, all over my body

[@SueWoledge]

Yes that's me as well. I have it on my legs, abdomen, I'm pretty sure my breasts, a little on my arms that seems to be reducing on carnivore as it was getting worse prior and it makes sense that it can be all over as there's connective tissue all over. The typical pattern is on the limbs, but there will be those of us who are affected in many areas.

[@janschallert6896]

I have not known about lipedema until today, but I very much was aware of the pain, and the single most benefit to me of the ketogenic diet has been the relief from constant lifelong pain. There is nothing in the grocery store that could tempt me away from a low carbohydrate diet, given the experience I have had, that I didn't have a name for before this lecture.

[@TheAngelakkornegay]

I have been on strict Keto for over a year and have lost over 110 lbs, but sadly, the weight loss has not improved my pain level at all.

[@fontfroide1]

@@TheAngelakkornegayBut how much vet is still left?

[@TheAngelakkornegay]

@fontfroide1 well, I'm not sure, really. I have stage 3 Lipedema in Legs from hips to ankle and arms from shoulders to wrists, so the over 100 pounds weight loss is normal fat. Lipedema presses on the veins and nerves. Until the Lipedema is surgically removed, I will likely experience pain.

[@fontfroide1]

@@TheAngelakkornegay I'm sorry for you, terrible disease. Have you thought about going all carnivore? Dr Chaffee says there have been cases that have benefited from it because some substances in fruits and vegetables have an effect on neurological disorders and blood vessels. I have been a carnivore for a year now without any carbohydrates, including no eggs because I am a Hyperthyroid patient. If I sometimes fall for a piece of cheese (1 carbohydrate per ounce), I immediately have a swollen ankle the next day. Good luck 👋

[@milkmaid4077]

​@@TheAngelakkornegayshift from keto to carnivore and the pain may leave. It has worked for me and many others have reported that carnivore helped relieve their pain.

[@renukadevgharemore7183]

Every video by Dr Bikman is a new learning.

[@szghasem]

I love how you explain and break things down Dr. Bikman. Have been addicted to listening to your lectures ever since I discovered you 4 years ago. Even though I've listen to soooo many of your talks, I still learn something new every time. Thank you!

[@insuliniq]

Thanks for your kind comment.

[@nurjimenez7401]

❤It sometimes over my old brains but it doesn’t stop me from learning something new. Thank you for what you do, oh yes I am a subscriber of Hlthcode choc/mac 😋

[@bleon5956]

Thank you!! We need info on hormones like estrodial and menopause how it's effects Lipedema

[@TheAngelakkornegay]

Hope this isn't a stupid question, but if Collagen is a problem in lipedema, can I assume that it's a bad idea to take Collagen supplements?

[@suzannebethard8034]

I had his same thought- not a dumb question at all...😉

[@kzp5249]

Me too?

[@paulaandrew4686]

I had wondered the same thing!

[@tanyahughes2684]

I have been having a lot of leg cramps on a zero carb diet but collagenous foods prevent them mostly. I would suggest maybe we actually need more dietary collagen?

[@JediBunny]

I hope the doctor responds to this comment - I’m wondering the same thing!

[@cassieoz1702]

This is BY FAR the most organised and articulate explanation of lipidaema if heard. Thank you Prof

[@HypnosisforCreatives-gx8nc]

Since some Lipedema researchers are noticing that most of their patients are Hypermobile, I wonder if you’ve thought about a connection between Lipedema and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

[@joevans5713]

There are fascinating studies about the role of Thiamine (B1) deficiency in EDS

[@MEF7]

​@joevans5713 how much would you suggest taking for someone with Lipedema

[@annevskitchen]

Very cool comment, I have Lipedema and I am hypermobile, too. I never thought of my flexibility as a Syndrome though, I just thought its normal to be abled to touch the floor easy with my hands or do splits without ever training for it. I figured some people are just stiff and others are flexible by nature.

[@TheAngelakkornegay]

I have stage 3 Lipedema and am not hypermobile

[@HypnosisforCreatives-gx8nc]

@@TheAngelakkornegay not everyone is - just an unusually high percentage.

[@robertobattiston1]

Blessed to have found this channel and its very competent channel host.

[@shaunabchapman]

As someone diagnosed with lipoedma years ago, I so appreciate your video. Yes, it is painful. I often feel every bit of that stiffness and hardness you explain and some days it’s hard to drag this body around. Thank you so much for this explanation and for shedding light on the subject. I hope it helps move toward the direction of better understanding for providers and a step closer to figuring out how to treat it. Bless you, Doc!

[@insuliniq]

Thanks for watching and for commenting.

[@soshapybas]

Thank you thank you!! I’ve been rooting for you to do a discussion on lipedema!! Biggest hugs to you!!

[@kimelliott4771]

Dr. Bikman, thank you so much for researching this topic, my wife suffers with lipedema and subsequently lymphedema and she has talked to a specialist 😊their coarse of action is exactly as you described and insists it’s a fat cell problem. Your research gives me hope.

[@robyn3349]

Thank you, Dr. Bikman, for these virtual classes!

[@user-kw8vh5yz8z]

Thank you so much for this video, I've been waiting to hear u speak on this. EXCELLENT!!

[@debbiesue4287]

I always learned so. Much from you.Thank you very much for your time and sharing your knowledge. Very helpful

[@nevillegoddard4966]

Thanks Ben! Brilliant!

[@jgm3946]

I've been waiting for this topic to be covered. It was nice of you to cover it, even though it sounds like it is a little outside your main lane (but we novices didn't know that until you told us). My husband has Dupuytren contracture which he was told was because of too much collagen. Interesting that collagen is a cause in this too. I feel so bad for people with this condition. Hopefully the ketogenic lifestyle can provide some hope for relief. Thank you for the presentation.

[@drjimparker]

Excellent up-to-date overview of a little known and difficult topic. Congratulations.

[@CarnivoreScott]

I have been looking forward to this video installment!! I really appreciate the commentary on lymph, and believe there is a real need for a deep dive into all things lymph. So little understanding of the lymphatic system by we, the patients, is really a contributory aspect to our overall health. Your presentation is improving our understanding how and why the lymphatic system works is so very important. I think our ancestors, while not having the scientific evidence, understood the importance of daily movement/exercise, and the impact it has on our homeostatic health. It almost seems as if there is an upregulation/epigenetic response to hyperinsulinemia. It would be interesting to learn how many people who have Lipedema also have Hyperinsulinemia? So thank you Ben for all you are doing to empower each of us, by teaching us the "why's and how's" of our bodies. I don't believe you can fully appreciate your impact on each of us. You are a blessing and gift to humanity. Again Thank You!

[@annevskitchen]

Maybe lets just get some people to comment on this for answer the interesting question on Hyperinsulinemia in Lipedema Patienbts. I have (or had) Hyperinsulinimia and also ADHD (another thing that interests me if there is a connection). Im am three years Ketovore and one of this years was pure carnivore and still my basal insulin is somewhat "high" when I use Bens Cutoffs. Keto for over 10 years, and lost my excess weight from way over 600 lbs to a normal weight range. Sometimes I am a bit frustrated, that I cannot get lower basal insulin readings no matter if I am strictly carnivore dairyfree and all, or if I allow for some home fermented dairy and occasionally small servings of berries. And of course I lift heavy and get my fun cardio in. But at least I have very low pain and swelling in arms and legs, even if these areas are still very plush compared to a smallish waist and showing abs. But I am working on it :)

[@CarnivoreScott]

@@annevskitchen I suspect there are individual levels for many hormones and such. Each of these bio markers could be looked at through a lens of our own needs. All this to say maybe a higher level for you is a healthy(ish) level based on where you have come from. Also having LOST so much weight there are probably a few biomarkers whish may never get into the generalized "Normal" range. Finally you may need to consider the impact of what I suspect has been, or is, excess skin. Skin is really a very large organ with lots of metabolic needs and hormonal signaling of its own. Perhaps this is a driver? Do you do much in the way of fasting, either by OMAD or such? What ever this journey is for you now, WOW have you come a long way and done AMAZING things so far! Be kind to yourself you are winning!

[@annetcell-ly4571]

Melbourne scientists at St Vincent’s institute have, after a 5 year study, discovered abnormal stem cells in lipedema as well as a gene. Dr Tara Kanezis and Prof. Ramon Shayan are now doing drug trials to block a protein in lipedema cells to block growth. Published in the International Journal of Obesity.

[@HML-it7te]

It’s so refreshing to learn from a highly trained professional that has a gift of teaching complex issues in such a way that I can grasp. I know the students he teaches will succeed in understanding. Some 35 years ago when I went to uni, I found a range of teaching styles, some of which were subpar.

[@leadimentoobrien1221]

Thank you SO much!!!

[@RedPilled100]

Nice doctor.Props from Fiji 🇫🇯

[@tinaslouise]

Thank you very much for doing this... I was hoping you would address this subject. I am going to send this to my doctor so he can better understand lipedema.

[@MartyRaaymakers]

Holey Moley Ben. I love how my mins grows with questions when I listen to you. Thanks.

[@meatdog]

I wish I had the money to take your actual college classes. You are truly an amazing educator with a real gift for making these topics completely understandable and applicable to my daily life. I have a tremendous amount of respect for you. I was a college professor in nursing and physics( I have multiple degrees in a few disciplines) . Thank you for your time.

[@billrobinson198]

That was excellent!

[@cccalifornia7206]

Thank you Dr Bikman!!👍😊

[@naomicarpenter3611]

Thank you. This is very helpful. Please do more on lipedema.

[@Thundercloud1969]

Dr. Bikman, just got KZbin notice that you posted this video. Atm I'm out but I will sure watch it later, thank you for this post. Greetings from a fan from the Netherlands, I love your posts. It heps me also do my job as a health specialist better. 👍🏻

[@insuliniq]

Thank you. I’m glad they are helping you.

[@fontfroide1]

It is a great pleasure to see that more and more healthcare people are becoming interested in the keto/carnivore lifestyle. In America, a number of doctors are even setting up a new diabetes foundation (see latest Dr Ken Berry video)

[@teresahunt5521]

I was a morbidly obese child and always wondered why my fat was painful. I was anorexic as a teen and obviously, my pain disappeared. My weight normalized and I became a nurse and later got into bodybuilding. Any time I gain an excess of body fat, it is very painful and retains a lot of fluid over a 12 hour nursing shift. Pants that fit in the morning are tight and uncomfortable by the end of the day. Fascinating topic. Thank you.

[@insuliniq]

Thanks for your kind comment.

[@mauriglisson6954]

Thank you for your work and sharing the results with us. As a person with Lipedema I was hoping you would do some research on it.

[@cakeproSherri]

This was GOLD. Thank you Dr. B. What you are doing with your InsulinIQ classroom for the general public is phenomenal. Thank you for sharing your valuable time and knowledge with us.

[@insuliniq]

Thanks for your kind comment.

[@janonthemtn]

Thank you ❤Dr Bikman!!!!

[@kirkwolak6735]

Curious if there is a bigger underlying issue with collagenase, MMPs, or a lack of lysosomal enzymes? Are these things having a hard time getting into the fat cells? Is the collagen structure inside or outside the fat cell? And the second thought... "I wonder if subcutaneous injections of ketone esters could help... and then wonder about combining them with the proper enzymes to break down the structures". JUST GLAD this is getting some coverage! It makes a lot more sense now. My heart bleeds for those who suffer from this!

[@awesometulips9427]

Great video, no one explains the details of this problem. Thanks 😊.

[@helenguilford3136]

This was really informative.

[@jose79fin]

Very informative and this is huge help. I especially appreciated that you mentioned the findings of a study showing that not all calories are created equal (we have known that all along), reiterating that a lower carb diet showed 3x bigger weight loss compared to a higher carb one with equal caloric count.

[@mikoc7633]

Thanks so much Yes I love all your wonderful videos with all this great info! I live out here in Utah hope to meet you one day and be a part of one of your studies! I have autoimmune from MS, been dealing with inflammation with the lipedema for a long time, and hoping the lower carb intake eventually catches up with my body and relieves it. Thus far still haven't figured out how to get rid of this extra fluid, love understanding it though..🙏🏽💜

[@SueWoledge]

Thank you for this Ben. I’ve finally come to the realisation that I do indeed have Lipedema (I didn’t want to know that as it just adds another ‘thing’ ) and now understanding that it’s a connective tissue problem really makes sense as I’ve known for many years that I have something a bit strange going on with my connective tissue. Putting the pieces together… 😊

[@jimfife6255]

This stuff is so good, Ben, I just wish you had graphics, too, so we're not just looking at you talk.

[@karenm7364]

Thank you Dr Bickman, if you would like a study person you can pick me. This is me 100% and has been an issue my entire life and I’m not overweight.

[@nafisaaptekar3601]

Thank you so much learnt so much

[@sheltie141]

Excellent piece, thank you, from a lady with Lipoedema. Liposuction does help as does the low carb diet.

[@kzp5249]

How do we “fix” the connective tissue?

[@RoedhamHouseRanch]

Awesome information! Reference collagens role in lipedema...does taking a collagen supplement influence this? Thank you 😊

[@MEF7]

Good question

[@aurapopescu1875]

Professor Bikman, could you please make a video addressing ketosis and sleep? I have been on a Ketogenic diet for 5 years now, and I am desperately struggling with sleep... Thank you 🙏

[@Cya-bebetter]

Yes! I just posted about waking in the middle of the night with low blood sugar; sleep is so important and I'm working so hard to regain my health but sleep has become a major issuse

[@aurapopescu1875]

@@Cya-bebetter I don't have a hypoglycemia problem. I just can't sleep in ketosis.

[@karenohanlon4183]

I waken at two and find ot hard to fall asleep. I get stressed I cant sleep.get stressed etc and on an on it goes I wonder if it was years of carb abuse. Rubbish carbs and I sleep lik a baby.

[@aurapopescu1875]

@@karenohanlon4183 I have read that about one third of people who go on Keto report a worsening of their sleep. Keto insomnia is a real thing. It seems that carbs help l-tryptophan get into the brain - l-tryptophan then converts to serotonin and serotonin converts to melatonin which allows us to sleep. I wish Prof. Bikman would address this topic.

[@karenmcmillan4626]

You may need to take iodine in the morning. Many people are iodine deficient, so get very tired during the day, which actually affects their sleep at night. Also increasing magnesium (glycinate form) is great to help with sleep.

[@bobeldredge282]

Does taking a collagen supplement make it worse? Thanks for all the great information. Bob the welder

[@denniswilliamson6899]

Hey Bob the Welder! I’m not Dr Benjamin Bikman nor is Nick on his KZbin channel: Physionics. He just posted an overview of his eleven studies on collagens in the human body. The jury is still out for some but he postulates that the di-peptides and tri-peptides are measurable in the bloodstream and he briefly shows the mechanisms that will encourage cell health which then allows those cells to do the work necessary to make new collagens and proteins to maintain cell structure. I highly recommend watching!

[@Cya-bebetter]

I have adopted the keto lifestyle and use a CGM. I wake in the middle of the night with low blood sugar and wonder about options for raising it; I'm restrictive-time eating to lose weight and keep me from the pre-diabetic diagnosis I once had. I listen to A LOT of educational vids but yours are by far my favorite; it helps so much to know the science behind our move towards better health. Thank you.

[@nataliajimenez1870]

You should double check with a finger prick when you get low glucose while sleeping. The CGM often gives false reading when it's pressed against a surface like a bed

[@brookstorm9789]

Outstanding

[@katecollins3894]

Great talk. Very different perspective to usual Lipedema talks. In my own case I have Lipedema, as does my mother and sister. My poor children seem to also have people on both of my partners sides of his family that have it as well. One thing I have noticed years ago talking to other women was that there seemed to be quite a few people that had pre eclampsia (or toxemia) with their children or their mothers had had it with them. My mother had toxemia with me. She swelled up greatly but had no issues with blood pressure that she knows of. I had what they would have called toxemia as well with my first (sad diet) 23 kg of fluid in the last 10 weeks gained. Interestingly others like my partners side have also said toxemia and then they have also presented with Lipedema later in life. The preeclampsia/toxemia I have hypothesised that it is just insulin resistance. Like most women with Lipedema I had good blood glucose numbers and passed every GGT. However if someone had checked my insulin they would have seen it was sky high making my sugars low and I was really diabetic. Since they say most unexplained high blood pressure is insulin resistance this definitely was the case for me. It wasn't until I asked for an insulin assay when they asked for the last GGT I ever did. My fasting (30) and hour 1 (155) were crazy. Every time now my insulin is high I have Lipedema growth. I feel this makes you work with insulin very important for other with Lipedema to keep it in check.

[@risecopeman5409]

This was very informative! Thank you, Dr. Bickman. I have been strong and "healthy" most of my life, but have had episodes of odd fat. Always related to times of hormone changes. In general, I have obviously high estrogen and other sex hormones in general anyways. Too much really. Then post viral syndrome hit, combined with aging and higher carb diet. The combination created a painful lipedema patch on the inside of my lower left calf and associated lymphedema that was resistant to drainage from elevation, and also increased angiogenesis and inflammatory cytokines. I am on a carnivore diet now, and feel a lot better. Sadly, my body is resisting weight loss, so I have to quit coffee and start moving more, plus want to try alternating cold plunging and red light sauna plus message. Again, thank you for this informative lecture!

[@valeriepriola573]

This video comes at a good time as I'm ready to switch up my protein souce again. I have lipedema and am eating keto...I just purchased a vibration plate and she how I do. Thank you for all your help❤❤❤

[@cynthiamason2716]

Excellent explanations. I have lots of questions.

[@janonthemtn]

See videos by Dr Karen Herbst

[@bettesmith1117]

I have been using a Chi Machine, originally invented by a Japanese physician for Lymphedema, but it has helped with getting my clogged up fluids to move. I use it twice a day, 15min each time. Using a vibration machine helps as well.

[@Calisue]

I’ve been hoping you’d do this topic. Thanks!

[@wedonotconsent2764]

Does eating collagen/ bone broth cause lipedema or make it worse?

[@MEF7]

Why

[@miriam2909]

I watched my elderly friend die of lipodema last year. I felt so bad for her because of the pain she was in. I don’t know how she coped but slept the last 6 months sleeping in a recliner. I was almost relieved when she passed, heartbroken but relieved that she was no longer suffering. This was a great explanation of what was actually taking place within her. I miss her so much.

[@insuliniq]

So sorry.

[@miriam2909]

@@insuliniq 🥰

[@sherylacree9608]

Thoughts about using mucinex for off label treatment Doc?

[@tonichatwin6150]

Thank you. This was the best explanation I have heard. I’m curious on the diet study, did they tracked how much was regular fat loss and if any weights was due to lipidema reduction? I’m guessing they didn’t actually reduce the lipidema. Many of us lose weight initially on keto and then hit a wall and can’t seem to lose anymore despite continuing to follow the diet strictly. My mom has lipidema and is 69. Despite being very thin, almost emaciated, she looks like she’s wearing a pillow around her hip and belly area. She has had this ever since I can remember.

[@AnitaCorbett]

Brilliant ❤️‍🩹‼️

[@Texasketogirl]

You forgot to mention “rebounding”… such as jumping on a trampoline is thought to help get things moving.

[@lucretiamccollumcc]

Hi Ben, thank you for the video. I would love to hear what you have to say about multiple lipomas and Dercum's Disease.

[@thecasualgypsy]

Given the information, would you then not recommend collagen supps for someone with Lipedema ?:)

[@laurafarmer725]

Ben, Would extremely strong proteolytic enzymes like nattokinase/serrapeptase help. I know it degrades the fibrin matrix in the blood vessels according to the study done in Japan in 2008/2009. I mean if fibroblasts build it, then wouldn’t something acting opposite help it? I mean you have osteoblasts and osteoclasts. And bone is another structure building material.

[@SENORAFIFI]

Soy su fan!

[@w1948d]

Dr. Bikman could you please explain lipoma

[@suebutcher5415]

I can confirm that the only thing that has had any effect on my lipoedema is a ketogenic diet. Losing 60lbs easily in 2016, reducing pain by 90%. I still have lipoedema and recently had liposuction to reduce limb volume which has added another level of improvement, allowing me to workout and be stronger going into my 60s, than I was in my 30s. Still low carb, as I like being pain free!

[@nataliajimenez1870]

What is not mentioned in this discussion is what drives this type of lipedema fat nodules to grow to the extent that it affects the mobility of those in later stages. Just uncontrolled collagen would not explain the continued growth of additional fat in the affected areas

[@Texasketogirl]

It’s not nodules, it’s rigid collagen- connective tissue. Excess Estrogens is usually the reason he says… usually at puberty or during pregnancy but rarely at menopause.

[@MEF7]

So what to do?

[@valeriepriola573]

I tried hlthcode (dairy) and recently moved to beef protein...just ordered new hlthcode version (plant)❤❤❤❤

[@bleon5956]

MLD is very gentle.

[@BeautyMeetsDIY]

PLEASE ADVISE. DO YOU RECOMMEND NOT TAKING ANY COLLAGEN POWDER and/or SUPPLEMENTS?? I HAVE BOTH LIPEDEMA & LYMPHEDEMA AND TAKE COLLAGEN DAILY. THANK YOU 🫶🏽🙏🏼

[@anneventura1230]

They used to do lymphatic massage in France, long ago. Never saw it in the UK.

[@bodulica3]

I am not overweight. My upper body - you can count my ribs. Legs, staring with knees - absolutely terrible. I am old now, and just now found out that it is not simple fat.

[@amyrevis9239]

Does diet have a role in causing this and if so what changes need to be made

[@Swararakhunde]

Sir please gives information about lipoma nodules

[@Lee-vi9ze]

See the research of Dr Rockson at Stanford and the clinical trial that may show complete reversal

[@Katrinkink]

Which study are you referring to?

[@JediBunny]

Any links?

[@wedonotconsent2764]

Is plantar fasciitis lipedema in the foot?

[@Sarah-rn7cp]

Hi Dr B, I appreciate this info so much and have questions! It will be helpful in advocating for myself and my family. None of my doctors that I currently see for my Ehlers Danlos Syndrome diagnosis have any idea what lipedema is, however at age 48 I discovered Lipedema symptoms perfectly answer the question of what has caused my odd fat accumulation in thighs since puberty, then lower legs and upper arms post pregnancy. My mother thought her cuffed cankles were muscled calves but I knew better all along it’s more like fluid retention and painful to the touch where muscle and other fat areas are not. She also has had a lot of spider veins since her 30’s. I did lose finally weight temporarily on keto 2 years ago, so can attest it works! I put it back on quickly when I went back to normal diet. I am now using a vibe plate which causes diffuse itching and redness if I skip a few days of use. Why does histamine release? Also, I wonder if it matters a lot if I skip compression garments as I hate the feeling? Are there medications one can take to make the ketone process more simple? Are there doctors you recommend for Southern California? Are you aware that a high perecentage of people born female with hyper-mobility like Ehlers Danlos syndrome connective tissue disorder have Lipedema? Can we square the circle for this connection? There are some surgeons here who do lipo for lipedema but I am concerned about how to find a good one if I choose this avenue. Have you known someone to have more pain on one area than others? My left arm is really a problem and caused me to have to stop my dental hygienist career. I thought it was due to the EDS but it’s mostly in my upper arm and EDS pain has been more in my back and joints.

[@iyabodeadeyefa1010]

Could aromatase inhibitors help?🤔. Are the high oestrogens the downstream of insulin resistance (similar to PCOS)??

[@nannygranny9534]

My Hlth Code has just arrived. I am so excited for this plan. It tastes good and does not trigger my sweet tooth and more important for me is that I did not bloat!! Thank you Dr. Bikman. I was ready to give up.

[@kzp5249]

Does the hard nodules go away with weight loss, ie apart from having liposuction?

[@RichardFeuille]

Remember, lymph doesn’t just return fluid to the heart, it also returns bacteria, proteins, cells, etc. I suspect that the fluid, when not returned readily to the general circulation, promotes inflammation all by itself.

[@nancy-nm8vb]

This is very interesting, I read as much material as I could. including peer reviewed articles on lipedema, and you did put it in a different perspective. I realised my arms lipedema has been getting way worse than the rest of my body, and it's been few years I have been doing hormonal therapy with an estrogens gel - at my arms. Doing this locally maybe justify this worsening, with more estrogens available? Furthermore, I have PCOS, so my female hormones are quite low, my male hormones slightly higher. I need more female hormones but then they create a problem with lipedema. Bit of a conundrum. Any advice maybe on this? Many women that have lipedema also have PCOS and insulin resistance. Is there a way to maybe take the needed estrogens but reduce the receptors leading to worsening of lipedema? Last thing: I have been doing a carnivore diet for 2 months. Could that on the long term help with the PCOS and mean I don't need hormonal therapy anymore?

[@underdog2594]

Abdominal surgery. Returned home and immediately began experiencing lower leg swelling. Condition continued for six months, including lower leg swelling, skin discoloration/pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity back of calf, and very sensitive/raw skin. Saw physical therapist (CLT). Assessment: Lymphedema grade moderate (3-5 cm), stage I. Measured for custom Mediven Cosy/2 Calf flat-knitted compression socks (using the Medi Vision digital scanning tool). Began wearing these custom compression socks October 2023. Six month outcome: symptomatically resolved. Impression: Expensive, but very effective. Can abdominal surgery traumatize the lymph system?

[@shelbs200]

I was only diagnosed with Lipodema AFTER a year of finding and diagnosis of a desmoid fibromatosis. This explaining how it is truly fibroblasts and over producing collagen makes sense that my 2 issues might be related and all estrogen stimulated. Wonder if anyone is looking into this correlation?

[@emmehobbs6862]

I’m in awe of your knowledge. Thank you for sharing with all of us. There isn’t any doctor in my area that seems to have any understanding of lipedema. It has become so painful and I wear compression leggings for some relief, but it continues to get worse. I am also pursuing genetic testing for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. How can I find a specialist that can help me? Is there a website or resource list? I’m willing to do whatever I need to do, but doctors in my area just look at me confused and offer no answers. I’m so frustrated.

[@insuliniq]

Sorry you feel so frustrated. Many people are as well. You may want to go to our website and ask my team: www.insuliniq.com

[@emmehobbs6862]

@@insuliniq THANK YOU!

[@traceydenes8576]

So should we not take collagen supplements? Does it make Lipedema worst? What do we do with this information bc nobody’s primary care doctor knows anything about this .. what should those of us with lipedema do?

[@brenajean]

🙋🏾‍♀️ QUESTION: I am curious about Lipedema patients who have also been diagnosed with hEDS which are commonly seen together . If the connective tissues surrounding the fat cell has become fibrotic due to an over production of collagen and hEDS causes “weak collagen” how do both fibrotic and weak collagen coexist together?

[@KenJackson_US]

Is there any condition that a low carb diet _can't_ help alleviate?

[@kzp5249]

Can the estrogen sensitivities be prevented?

[@MEF7]

I'd like to know too

[@ThePsalm56]

Does a grass fed collagen supplement like Equip make this condition worse then? Thanks.

[@blueponyfarm1962]

Good question! I'm wondering about collagen supplements too. Also, does Dr Bikman know of any research on GLP1 medication for lipedema, AND would the effective uptake of GLP1 be affected adversely when the injection sites have extensive lipedema?

[@kzp5249]

Can anything be done about the connective tissue to help reverse this disorder?

[@MEF7]

Good question

[@gara4946]

Q: what about jumping? Can this Help also? Greetings from Germany

[@nitareed4088]

Sounds like the collagen (thicker, rigid) is trying to protect?

[@gins8781]

I wonder if the same physiological triggers for lipidema can also cause Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which is, in part, a disease of aberrant activation and differentiation of lung fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. I have the latter and I suspect I also have lipidema. There is an individual who has commented (in IPF forums) that IPF is largely a metabolic disease. I take that very seriously but can’t get a response when I ask for clarification. I have aggressively changed my diet to minimize lipid hyperplasia and hypertrophy on the chance that it will help. Lipidema is awful. But IPF is terminal.

[@claudiawilkinson8769]

What is cellulite? How does it differ, obviously it’s not painful but it has the appearance of fibrous pockets around clumps of fat cells?