Lipedema is a chronic and, in many cases, progressive disease. Over 25% of those diagnosed with this loose connective (fat) tissue disease also suffer from depression. Dr. Karen Herbst explores the mind/body connection and how stress affects the extracellular matrix, which is the support system to all body functions. The role of inflammation and recommendations on how lipedema patients can reduce stress are also reviewed.

Dr. Herbst discussed the groundbreaking Standard of Care publication, which can be accessed here. She also reviewed the importance of mental health and recommended the following links:

• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joanna-Dudek-8
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?sort=date&term=Dudek+JE&cauthor_id=33446179

For those intrigued by her discussion of Interpersonal Sensitivity, click here to review a “symptom checklist.”