Stages of lipoedema: experiences of physical and mental health and health care

Abstract

Purpose: Lipoedema is a progressive adipose (fat) disorder, and little is known about its psychological effect. This study aimed to determine the experiences of physical and mental health and health care across stages of lipoedema. Methods: Cross-sectional, secondary data from an anonymous survey (conducted 2014–2015) in Dutch and English in those with self-reported lipoedema were used (N = 1,362, Mdnage = 41–50 years old, 80.2% diagnosed). χ2 analyses of categorical data assessed lipoedema stage groups ‘Stage 1–2’ (N = 423), ‘Stages 3–4’ (N = 474) and ‘Stage Unknown’ (N = 406) experiences of health (physical and psychological), and health care. Results: Compared to ‘Stage 1–2’, ‘Stage 3–4’ reported more loss of mobility (p =