A qualitative study of the experiences of women with lipoedema in Scotland

Abstract

Lipoedema is a fat and connective tissue disorder associated with symmetrical proliferation of diet-resistant inflammatory fat tissue, mainly in the limbs and buttocks. Effective self-care is key to improving symptoms, and minimising lipoedema progression (Wounds UK 2017). Evidence from online surveys has shown that living with lipoedema presents many challenges (Fetzer and Fetzer 2016). There has been limited exploration of the qualitative experiences of living with lipoedema, how women perceive and self-manage their condition, and what support is required.