Lipedema and Psychological Well-Being: Psychosocial Burden, Psychiatric Comorbidities, and Perspectives for Psychological Treatment
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate fat accumulation, pain, and functional limitations, yet it remains underrecognized and frequently diagnosed late. In addition to its physical manifestations and multisystem comorbidities, lipedema is associated with substantial psychological and psychosocial challenges, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, and weight-related stigma. These difficulties may negatively affect quality of life, social functioning, and interpersonal relationships. This review examines the clinical characteristics and comorbidities of lipedema, with particular emphasis on its psychological and psychosocial impact. Despite growing research interest, differences in diagnostic criteria and assessment methods contribute to variability in reported findings. Although psychological distress and psychosocial difficulties have been documented in individuals with lipedema, evidence from condition-specific studies evaluating psychological interventions remains unavailable or insufficient to establish their effectiveness. A multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach is therefore essential, with greater emphasis on psychological interventions to address the emotional and psychosocial burden of lipedema, support adaptive coping strategies, and promote psychological well-being. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of specific psychotherapeutic approaches and clarify how integrating psychological care into multidisciplinary treatment pathways may improve overall clinical outcomes and quality of life.
Author: Ilaria Bertolucci
Institution: University of Florence
Language: English
Topic: Body Contouring and Surgery
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225781064