Lipedema is an often misunderstood disease, for which there are no established guidelines for proper diagnosis, care, and treatment within the healthcare system. The interdisciplinary network Theme Lipedema aims to shed light on lipedema from a health science perspective, including biomedical, nursing, psychological, social, and societal aspects.

Theme Lipedema is an interdisciplinary network of individuals from Jönköping University and collaborative partners. The network’s shared goal is to deepen the understanding of lipedema – a chronic disease of the adipose tissue that primarily affects women, causing a significant negative impact on the quality of life.

The network approaches social, psychological, biological, and functional aspects of lipedema. A key premise is the current gaps in knowledge, as well as the lack of established guidelines for diagnosis, care, and treatment, which leaves many women without adequate support.

The network holds regular seminars and knowledge dissemination sessions, aiming to foster collaborations and research projects that contribute to more equitable healthcare and enhanced support for women living with this condition.

Lipedema in the media

Research on lipedema is generally very limited, but in recent years, interest in the disease has increased both nationally and internationally. The lipedema research conducted at the School of Health and Welfare in Jönköping has been highlighted in the media on several occasions. Here is a selection:

https://www.tv4.se/artikel/24RtSDBv6hZkYRc1BBTepd/ny-svensk-forskning-visar-kvinnor-med-lipoedem-moets-av-misstro-och External link, opens in new window.

https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/jonkoping/ny-studie-kvinnor-med-lipodem-mots-av-fordomar External link, opens in new window.

https://www.svtplay.se/video/j1qwpJV/fraga-doktorn/doktorns-rad-for-sommaren External link, opens in new window.

Ongoing research projects

Pregnancy and the first year after childbirth in women with lipedema

Development of objective and standardized diagnostic criteria for lipedema

Completed projects

SWEDEN’S FIRST DOCTORAL THESIS ON LIPEDEMA:

Women with lipedema – an exploration of health, quality of life, social life, and healthcare experiences.

Contact person

Agenda 2030 goals