Advances in Lipedema: Pathophysiology, Prevention and Treatments
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 173
Special Issue Editor
Interests: angiology; compression therapy; inflammation; lymphology; lymphedema; lipedema; microcirculation; metabolomics; venous disorders, vascular imaging
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Lipedema is a chronic and progressive adipose tissue disorder that predominantly affects women, causing disproportionate fat accumulation, pain, and impaired mobility. Despite its prevalence, lipedema is often misdiagnosed or mistaken for obesity or lymphedema, delaying proper management. Recent research highlights the multifactorial nature of lipedema, involving microvascular dysfunction, lymphatic impairment, chronic low-grade inflammation, hormonal regulation, and possible genetic predisposition. Advances in diagnostic approaches, including imaging, clinical criteria, and biomarker studies, are improving recognition of the disease and differentiation from related conditions. At the same time, therapeutic options are expanding from conservative strategies such as compression therapy, physiotherapy, and nutritional interventions to surgical treatments, including specialized liposuction techniques. Among dietary interventions, a low-energy Mediterranean-style diet appears particularly beneficial, largely due to its high content of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. Additionally, individual studies have reported a reduction of dysfunctional subcutaneous adipose tissue in patients with lipedema following adherence to a ketogenic diet.
This Special Issue, “Advances in Lipedema: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatments”, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and highlight novel insights into the biology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic options in lipedema. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and translational studies that deepen the understanding of this complex disease and foster the development of evidence-based strategies for its effective management. By bringing together multidisciplinary perspectives, this Special Issue seeks to advance the scientific dialogue and improve care for patients with lipedema worldwide.
Suitable topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lipedema;
- Adipose tissue disorder;
- Lymphatic system;
- Microvascular dysfunction;
- Inflammation;
- Lipedema diagnosis;
- Biomarkers;
- Treatment strategies;
- Diet and nutrition;
- Compression therapy;
- Liposuction.
This Special Issue is supervised by Dr. Angelika Chachaj and assisted by Dr. Małgorzata Jeziorek (Department of Dietetics and Bromatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213 Street; 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland).
Dr. Angelika Chachaj
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- lipedema
- microvascular dysfunction
- inflammation
- lipedema diagnosis
- biomarkers
- diet in lipedema
- quality of life
- compression therapy
- liposuction
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