International Lipoedema Association

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International Lipoedema Association The ILA is a scientific association aiming to advance the understanding of lipoedema.

A Full House for Lipalgia Syndrome in WeimarAt the Annual Congress of the German Society for Phlebology and Lymphology i...
14/09/2026

A Full House for Lipalgia Syndrome in Weimar

At the Annual Congress of the German Society for Phlebology and Lymphology in Weimar, ILA President Gabriele Erbacher and ILA Past President Dr Tobias Bertsch delivered presentations on Lipalgia Syndrome (formerly Lipoedema).

Their lectures explored three key topics: the renaming of Lipoedema as Lipalgia Syndrome, the psychological dimensions of the condition, and its close relationship with obesity.

The proposed new terminology was warmly welcomed by the audience, which consisted predominantly of physicians as well as therapists. The exceptionally strong interest was reflected in a packed auditorium: the presentations were among the best attended sessions of the entire congress.

The response in Weimar sends an encouraging signal that a more evidence-based and comprehensive understanding of Lipalgia Syndrome is gaining momentum.

The International Lipoedema Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. David Keast, one of our founding member...
27/08/2026

The International Lipoedema Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. David Keast, one of our founding members.

David's dedication, expertise, and commitment to improving patient care made a lasting impact. We are profoundly grateful for his valuable contributions to the ILA and to all the healthcare professionals and patients whose lives he helped improve.

We honour his memory and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be greatly missed.

The International Lipoedema Association (ILA) is delighted to congratulate ILA board member and co-founder, Dr. Robert D...
14/08/2026

The International Lipoedema Association (ILA) is delighted to congratulate ILA board member and co-founder, Dr. Robert Damstra, on being appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, one of the Netherlandsโ€™ highest royal honours, recognizing his outstanding contributions to healthcare, research, education, and international collaboration.

For the ILA community, this recognition reflects Dr. Damstraโ€™s lifelong commitment to improving patient care and advancing scientific knowledge.

On behalf of the International Lipedema Association, we extend our warmest congratulations to Robert on this prestigious and well-deserved honour. His vision, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire colleagues and improve the lives of patients around the world. The distinction was presented on 21 MAy 2026 during Dr. Damstraโ€™s Jubilee Symposium, attended by nearly 190 national and international colleagues, collaborators, and friends.

Learn more: https://theila.net/

Advancing the Treatment of Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Syndrome!More than 450 participants. 27 countries. 6 continents.The...
23/06/2026

Advancing the Treatment of Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Syndrome!

More than 450 participants. 27 countries. 6 continents.The 3rd International Fรถldi Clinic Days were among the largest international conferences in lymphology, lymphoedema care, and the interdisciplinary treatment of lipoedema syndrome. Over two days, leading experts from across Europe and the USA shared the latest research, new treatment concepts, and practical insights โ€” always close to clinical reality.

Among them were numerous ILA Board Members and Founding Members, reflecting how closely this event is tied to the mission of the International Lipoedema Association (ILA): connecting research and clinical practice, and bringing experts together across disciplines and borders to improve patient care worldwide.

Our thanks to all speakers, participants, and partners โ€” and to ILA Board Members Dr. med. Tobias Bertsch and Dr. Guenter Klose for organizing and chairing the event.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Want to be part of this community? Join the ILA: https://theila.net

๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—” ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ด๐—น๐˜† ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—•๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—Ÿ๐˜†๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ฐ ๐—ฆ๐˜†๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜‚๐—บ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฒ!ILA is strongly represented at this year's Boston Lympha...
23/02/2026

๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—” ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ด๐—น๐˜† ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—•๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—Ÿ๐˜†๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ฐ ๐—ฆ๐˜†๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜‚๐—บ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฒ!

ILA is strongly represented at this year's Boston Lymphatic Symposium, themed 'A Focus on Lipedema: Bridging Gaps'.

Together with global experts, ILA is engaging in essential conversations that move the field forward โ€” across borders, professions, and perspectives. In several talks, we have addressed widespread misinformation in lipedema care, calling for greater clarity, collaboration, and continued research.

โ€œThis year's theme, Bridging Gaps, reflects our shared responsibility to connect expertise and highlight the nuances of lipedema syndrome โ€” and address the knowledge gaps still present in research. Despite the good dialogue, differences remain that still need to be discussed โ€” for example, the question of edema in lipedema, or whether pain and other symptoms should be necessary criteria for diagnosis," shares Gabriele Erbacher, ILA Co-President.

For HCPs: Please help amplify this important work by taking and sharing this survey within your professional network! ๐Ÿฉบ ...
07/01/2026

For HCPs: Please help amplify this important work by taking and sharing this survey within your professional network!

๐Ÿฉบ Are you a healthcare professional involved in the care of individuals with lipedema?

You are invited to participate in a new research survey exploring the perspectives of healthcare professionals on the diagnosis, assessment, and management of lipedema.

This research project, led by ILA board member Dr Belinda Thompson, seeks to identify clinical knowledge gaps and practice challenges in order to inform the development of evidence-based educational resources and care strategies.

๐Ÿ•’ The survey is anonymous and takes approx. 20 minutes to complete.

Understanding the perspectives of healthcare professionals in lipedema: A cross-sectional survey: https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QZcsGfIA7Yk4xU?Q_CHL=qr

Research team: Luke Davies, Lori Lewis, Katrina Gaitatzis, Louise Koelmeyer & Belinda Thompson

Please help amplify this important work by sharing this patient survey within your network! ๐Ÿ’ก Have you been diagnosed wi...
06/01/2026

Please help amplify this important work by sharing this patient survey within your network!

๐Ÿ’ก Have you been diagnosed with lipedemaโ€”or believe you may be living with it?

You are then invited to participate in a new research survey exploring the educational needs of individuals with lipedema.

This research project, led by ILA board member, Dr Belinda Thompson, seeks to better understand the knowledge gaps and challenges faced by those living with lipedema, in order to inform the development of meaningful educational resources.

๐Ÿ•’ The survey is anonymous and takes approx. 20 minutes to complete.

Exploring the educational needs of individuals living with lipedema: A cross-sectional survey: https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ac7vDc1SE9W4ofA?Q_CHL=qr

29/12/2025

"Weight loss has no impact on lipedema." ๐Ÿฆต

This is a myth!

Patients are often told that weight loss does not affect lipedema.

Understandably, this leads to frustration and the belief that lifestyle changes are irrelevant. But this is not the full picture.

Learn more: https://theila.net/8-myths-about-lipoedema/

Living with lipedema can be confusing, frustrating, and at times overwhelming. Too often, women searching for answers are met with misinformation โ€” repeated misconceptions based on outdated science, and contradictory advice, sometimes leading to costly and ineffective treatment.

The International Lipedema Association (ILA) has launched the awareness campaign โ€œDispelling 8 Myths About Lipedemaโ€ to provide clarity. This campaign has two goals:

22/12/2025

๐— ๐˜†๐˜๐—ต: "Lipedema is responsible for weight gain."

This is a myth!

Patients are sometimes told that lipedema syndrome is responsible for weight gain. The frequent co-occurrence of lipedema and obesity reinforces the myth.

But the reality is that lipedema itself does not cause weight gain. Actually, it's more the other way around. Weight gain almost always causes lipedema to get worse.

Learn more: https://theila.net/8-myths-about-lipoedema/

More about the campaign:

Living with lipedema can be confusing, frustrating, and at times overwhelming. Too often, women searching for answers are met with misinformation โ€” repeated misconceptions based on outdated science, and contradictory advice, sometimes leading to costly and ineffective treatment.

The International Lipedema Association (ILA) has launched the awareness campaign โ€œDispelling 8 Myths About Lipedemaโ€ to provide clarity.

Invitation!The 2026 Boston Lymphatic Symposium โ€“ A Focus on Lipedema: Bridging Gaps will be held in February 2026 in Bos...
18/12/2025

Invitation!

The 2026 Boston Lymphatic Symposium โ€“ A Focus on Lipedema: Bridging Gaps will be held in February 2026 in Boston.

The program includes two clinical days and one patient day, exploring the molecular basis, lymphatic involvement, and clinical management of lipedema through both medical and psychosocial perspectives.

A key theme is interdisciplinary collaboration among therapists, physicians, and surgeons. International experts and organizations such as the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, Lipedema World Alliance, and International Lipoedema Association will contribute to the program.

Building on six successful previous editions, the symposium continues to bridge gaps in research, practice, and patient advocacy.

Hoping to see you there!

Events and registration: https://theila.net/events/

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