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To Our Partners: How You Can Best Support Your Partner with Lipedema

It’s certainly not always easy with us. Lipedema occupies our thoughts constantly, which means it is also ever-present in our daily lives and in our relationships. Sometimes we wish we could simply step away from it all and live a normal life, but it isn’t that straightforward.

Having someone by our side who loves us, even when we struggle to love ourselves, is incredibly powerful. Many partners find it difficult to fully understand the doubts and limitations that lipedema brings. Misunderstandings often arise from a lack of knowledge on both sides, and these can be hard to untangle and unintentionally hurtful.

If you want to support and understand your partner better but aren’t sure how, I would like to offer a few helpful suggestions.

Want to attend a consultation together? Partners are welcome at our London clinic.

Educate Yourself About Lipedema

The single most important thing you can do is learn about the condition – its causes, its symptoms, and how it affects everyday life. Lipedema does not only cause a visible change in body proportions. It is also accompanied by sometimes severe pain and real physical limitations. Understanding this will allow you to be more considerate in your interactions and show your partner the empathy she needs. That alone will be a tremendous help.

Because of increased pressure sensitivity and a tendency to bruise, even playful physical contact – being tickled on the sofa, for instance – can cause pain and leave marks on the affected areas. The psychological weight of not being able to look as healthy as we would like, despite our best efforts, is hard to grasp from the outside. Reading forums or reputable websites may help you develop a deeper understanding of what your partner experiences.

At LIPOCURA®, we believe strongly in education. Our website contains detailed information about lipedema, its stages, and liposuction for lipedema. If you still have questions afterwards, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to support partners and family members who want to learn more.

Frustration with Lipedema: Helping Your Partner Find a Way Forward

Sometimes, confronting the illness leaves us feeling trapped, unable to see a way out of the frustration. Conservative treatment measures restrict daily life, surgical options are not always easily accessible, and we feel as though nobody is taking us seriously.

If you sense that your partner is gradually losing her motivation or feels unable to change her situation on her own, try to show her the possibilities that exist and let her know you are ready to support her. Unfortunately, many doctors are still not well informed about lipedema and its treatment options. You could help by researching which specialists might be a good fit. Support groups and online communities can also be a valuable resource.

Be a Listening Ear and Take Away Her Self-Doubt

Sometimes, you don’t need to say much. A hug and a few sincere words can have a profound effect. In a relationship, we tend to assume that the other person already knows we love them and are there for them. But sometimes the obvious goes unsaid, and hearing it again means the world, especially during periods when we are struggling to love and accept ourselves.

“You are not alone”

Although we are the only person with lipedema in the relationship, knowing that someone shares our worries and has a shoulder to lean on helps more than you might imagine.

“I’m here to listen”

We often feel guilty about making the illness the centre of attention and talking about it too frequently. We don’t want to be a burden. Knowing that your partner can share all her concerns with you, and that you will listen without judgement, even for the third time that day, will mean a great deal.

“You are important to me”

A woman with lipedema often struggles with low self-esteem and is plagued by doubts that reach far beyond the physical condition. We frequently feel that we are not good enough. Knowing that someone values us exactly as we are can genuinely strengthen our sense of self-worth.

“You are not the lipedema”

Lipedema patients often fear being left by their partners because of the burden the condition places on a relationship. Lipedema takes up so much room in our lives that we can begin to define ourselves entirely by it. Knowing that we are more than just the condition to our partner – that we are a unique personality, a wonderful character, and an enrichment to their life – is truly healing.

“I’ll help you”

Many patients dread the initial period at home after surgery. Show her that you will be there to support her, help her with practical tasks, and take care of her during recovery.

Body Image: Be Honest, but Not Hurtful

Because our body image is often distorted, we rely heavily on honest words from someone we trust. Unfortunately, we can be extremely sensitive about our bodies and about comments made about them, and can be hurt easily, even when nothing negative was intended.

Choose your words with extra care and sensitivity. If she asks your opinion on an outfit, never say that she looks heavy in it or that she shouldn’t wear something with her figure. A better approach might be: “I liked the other outfit a bit more,” or “I really like how skirts look on you – what do you think?”

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I support my partner with lipedema?

Listen, educate yourself about the condition, attend appointments together if invited, and avoid making comments about diet or weight.

Is lipedema my partner's fault?

Absolutely not. Lipedema is a medical condition with genetic and hormonal causes. It is not caused by diet or lifestyle.

Should I come to the consultation?

Yes. Partners are welcome at our London clinic, and attending together helps you both understand the condition and options.


Want to attend a consultation together? Partners are welcome at our London clinic.

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