Emotional burden of lipoedema: what most patients have to face
Lipoedema is a chronic condition. Its main characteristic is the symmetrical and disproportionate buildup of fat especially in the lower body, but it can appear in arms too. Today, physical symptoms are well recognised; but what happens with the emotional impact of lipoedema? When we talk about chronic conditions or illness, most of the time we just focus on the physical area while the emotional burden is left behind. For that reason, I wrote this blog to share with you what most lipoedema´s patients have to face and also some strategies to navigate lipoedema related distress. Let’s have a look…
Lipoedema´s patients experience high rates of psychological distress due to different reason, for example:
- Not being heard by professionals, family, or friends
- Be cataloged as lazy and not doing enough effort to lose weight (remember lipoedema´s fat doesn’t respond to exercise or diet)
- Misdiagnosis (obesity)
- Social disapproval-rejection
As consequences of psychological distress, there are different emotional symptoms, these are some of the most common psychological challenges:
- Depression
- Emotional lability
- Eating disorders
- Sense of inferiority
- Heightened sensitivity
- Ruminative thoughts
- Isolation
Understanding Lipoedem´s emotional impact
Body image and self-esteem issues
As the condition progresses, patients feel more frustrated with their body image which leads to a poor self-esteem. They feel shame and embarrassment due to their appearance and society expectations. As lipoedema doesn’t respond to common exercise or diet, when personalised treatment has not been applied, patients may feel “trapped” in a body they cannot control.
Depression and emotional distress
Approximately 40% of patients with advanced stages of lipoedema (3-4) report depression, with rates of emotional lability (mood swings). In addition, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion are common.
Eating disorders
For those patients who haven’t received proper treatment (diagnosis, physical and psychological), low self-esteem and body image issues can lead them to have eating disorders due to “guilt”.
Social isolation and loneliness
Patients who don’t feel comfortable with their body image and those in advanced stages where mobility is severely restricted are significantly more likely to withdraw from social activities, stay at home, and experience loneliness. This self-isolation is the result of fear of judgment due to social weight stigma.
Rumination
Many patients report constantly thinking about their condition, increased sensitivity, frequent crying, and being more easily angered or fearful. These mood changes are closely linked to the emotional burden of living with lipoedema.
Stigma and discrimination
Exposure to weight stigma and misunderstanding from society and the healthcare system can erode confidence and self-worth. For that reason is pivotal the emotional support not only from family and friends but also of the healthcare professional team.
Emotional regulation issues
Some patients have more difficulty identifying, understanding, and accepting their emotions compared to those without the condition. These challenges can exacerbate anxiety and depressive symptoms, making it harder to cope with daily stressors.
A final word
Poor body image and low self-esteem are key challenges for those living with lipoedema. Many patients experience shame about their appearance, leading to avoidance of social activities and situations where they have to expose their bodies. Rumination, the anticipation of judgment or actual experiences of weight stigma and discrimination further erode confidence and self-worth, often resulting in social isolation and impaired quality of life. For that reason it is pivotal to be surrounded by the right support group (family, friends, lipoedema healthcare team). It will make your journey easier and, why not, pleasant. In our next blog, we´ll share with you some scientific proven strategies to improve the emotional impact caused by lipoedema and improve your general well being.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
