Lipedema is a chronic and progressive adipose tissue dysfunction that affects, almost exclusively, women. It is characterized by a symmetrical enlargement of the lower body due to excess fat deposits from the waist to the ankles. Lipedema patients also suffer from bruising, orthostatic edema, and pain.
This dysfunction is often confused with obesity, however, the differentiating factor is that the fat deposits are not reduced by weight loss or exercise.
The body has three main sources of energy: glucose (carbohydrate), fat, and protein.
When we burn fat, we produce substances called ketones (these are produced in the fat-burning process). High levels of carbohydrates in the diet, also known as high-glycemic load foods (examples: bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes), act with the hormone insulin to shut down fat burning. It becomes virtually impossible to burn fat if you have high insulin levels.
Many of the complaints associated with lipedema, such as pain, swelling, and inflammation, as well as the development of lymphedema and vascular malfunction in the later stages of lipedema, can worsen when abdominal obesity is also present.
The use of a ketogenic diet to ameliorate these factors was scientifically proven in 2018 by German physician, Dr Faerber, in the study 'Obesity and Chronic Inflammation in Phlebological and Lymphatic Diseases' . Over 80% of her patients with lipedema had their pain and edema reduced or resolved.
The goal of the ketogenic diet is to lose fat, not weight.
The ketogenic diet activates the body's natural fat-burning process. It is a strict version of the low carb diet, where the goal is to eat no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day.
One of the biggest advantages is that it reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Being overweight dramatically increases the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases. Losing weight, and maintaining it, improves long-term health. Excess body fat can also affect self-esteem.
Overcoming a challenge, improving your health, and feeling good about your body can improve your ability to achieve, self-esteem, and health in countless ways.
The ketogenic diet is effective, and a person can lose between 0.5 - 1kg* of fat per week without feeling hungry. This diet increases fat burning, reduces fat production, maintains muscle mass, and increases energy levels.
Learn more about the possible side effects of the ketogenic diet. Check our blog for more information.
* results vary from person to person.
I offer support for questions that may arise after consultations (1 email or 1 phone call). I like to follow my patients closely, especially at the beginning of the treatment. That way the results are better.
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