Lipoedema: Beyond Weight, Towards Dignity

Lipoedema dietitian

At Bowral Nutrition, we believe every body deserves care that honours its complexity – not just its size. Lipoedema is a chronic, progressive condition that affects a significant number of women, yet it remains widely misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and dismissed. It’s time to change that.

As a lipoedema dietitian, our founder Fofe Vrettos meets clients where they are – emotionally and physically – to build sustainable, anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies.

We ground our nutrition approach in dignity, flexibility, and lived experience – never rigid protocols. Additionally, we align with the principes of Health at Every Size (HAES), which prioritises body respect, accessible care, and strategies that support overall health and wellbeing.

What Is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a connective tissue disorder characterised by the abnormal accumulation of fat – typically in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes the arms. Unlike general weight gain, lipoedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise.

It’s often painful, prone to bruising, and accompanied by swelling and heaviness. Importantly, it’s not caused by overeating or inactivity, despite what many have been told.

Lipoedema is not obesity. It’s not lymphoedema. And it’s not your fault.

Evidence suggests that lipoedema may affect up to 11% of women, though this figure is likely conservative due to underdiagnosis and limited awareness among clinicians (Bruno, 2025; Forner-Cordero et al., 2022; Kämpfer et al., 2022). These studies highlight the need for improved diagnostic criteria and greater clinical recognition of the condition.

Why Nutrition Still Matters

While lipoedema fat itself may not respond to traditional weight loss strategies, nutrition plays a powerful role in symptom management, metabolic health, and emotional wellbeing. A lipoedema dietitian will approach nutrition as a tool for:

• Reducing inflammation and pain
• Preserving muscle mass and mobility
• Supporting insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance
• Enhancing energy, mood, and quality of life

A lipoedema dietitian – especially one that is also a Credentialled Eating Disorder Clinician – rejects restrictive, shame-based approaches, and avoids reliance on expensive supplements that lack robust evidence. Alternative nutritionists often promote berberine, even though most reviews supporting its use are methodologically weak and poorly reported.

We take a food-first approach grounded in clinical integrity and lived experience – and we are proud to be Accredited Practising Dietitians and trained nutrition scientists. Learn the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian here.

A Personal Note from Fofe

“As someone living with lipoedema, I know firsthand how isolating and invalidating the journey can be. For years, I lived with chronic nerve pain in my legs and relied on medication just to function. It wasn’t until I radically reframed my nutrition that I experienced profound relief.

Now that the nerve pain is gone, movement feels safer. I am more willing to explore gentle, supportive exercise – not because I ‘should,’ but because my body finally allows it. I want that for my clients too – not just relief from pain, but the freedom to move, to trust their bodies, and to reclaim joy in everyday function.

Optimised nutrition isn’t a miracle cure. It’s the result of compassionate, evidence-informed care that respects the body’s complexity. And it’s why I’m so passionate about helping others navigate their own path with dignity and hope.”

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: A Gentle Reframe

Many people with lipoedema benefit from anti-inflammatory dietary patterns. These aren’t rigid meal plans – they’re flexible frameworks that prioritise nourishment over punishment.

Key principles include:

• Colourful plant foods
• Omega-3 rich fats
• Anti-inflammatory herbs
• Lean protein

Lipoedema dietitians support clients in reducing foods that may exacerbate inflammation, such as ultra-processed snacks and refined sugars. We start with what’s real for you, not what’s idealised by others. We co-create care that feels safe, accessible, and attuned to your bandwidth.

The Emotional Toll: Validating Your Experience

Lipoedema is not just physical – it’s emotional. Many clients arrive at our clinic feeling gaslit, exhausted, and ashamed. They’ve been told to “just lose weight” or “try harder,” despite years of effort. We see you. We believe you. And we’re here to help you reclaim your health on your terms.

Our trauma-informed, neuro-affirming care model ensures:

• Your sensory and emotional needs are respected
• Your body autonomy is central to every decision

You Deserve Better

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been navigating lipoedema for years, Bowral Nutrition offers a safe, evidence-informed space to explore nutrition that works for you. We collaborate with your broader care team, advocate for systemic reform, and tailor every recommendation to your unique context.

Why choose a lipoedema dietitian?

Because you deserve care that’s both evidence-based and accessible. Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are eligible for Medicare rebates under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GP CCMP), and may also attract private health insurance rebates. Unlike ‘nutritionists’, APDs are nutrition professionals with recognised credentials and clinical accountability. Choosing a lipoedema dietitian means choosing care that’s ethical, inclusive, and financially supported.