Insights from FDRS 2024
This was my first year attending the Fat Disorders Resource Society Conference and to say I was impressed is an understatement! I enjoyed the variety of speakers that covered many different angles of lipedema and of course meeting virtual friends in person!
Here is my summary of the weekend, as well as a list of my biggest takeaways from the conference.
The drive there flew by thanks to Taylor Swift’s new album (#swiftie) and one of my patients who came along with me! We listened to almost the whole album while we chatted for the three hour road trip. Having one of my patients with me for the weekend made the whole experience more fun!
Friday night kicked off with meeting vendors such as LipoElastic, Tactile Medical, LymphaPress, and surgeons’ staff. We then listened to the opening speech along with the Fashion Show! I loved seeing women rock their compression with beautiful outfits and seeing how many ways they incorporated their compression. I think anyone with lipedema can appreciate that this is not always easy, but it can work!
Saturday was a full day of listening to research that is currently being conducted on lipedema, surgeons discussing their personal approaches on different topics, and clinicians educating on how they are supporting their patients with lipedema.
Sunday was a half day and it included listening to women who have lipedema and what methods and tools have and have not worked for them with managing their lipedema. This was inspiring for me to hear as it can take multiple trials with multiple different tools to manage lipedema. I think it was also powerful for the women who have lipedema to feel validated with their personal experience, feelings and journeys.
Here are the top 4 topics that I learned about at the conference:
1. GPL-1 and GIP medications and how they relate to lipedema. ○ I have MANY patients who are on these medications, MANY women who are thinking about it, and MANY women who do not want to take it.
○ The take away point for me is that these medications can help decrease inflammation in ANY body, and this is why so many women who have lipedema are prescribed these medications. BUT women need to realize these drugs don’t decrease the lipedema adipose tissue – they help symptoms and help the disease from advancing.
2. There are many surgeons who are performing lipedema reduction surgeries in America. Each of these surgeons have specific things that make them unique including what type of anesthesia they use (or don’t use), the number of days they want their patients to stay close to the clinic post-surgery, and personal technique.
○ As a clinician, I couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed by the stress and time that it takes for a patient to decide on which surgeon is best for them.
○ My take away point from this is that choosing a surgeon is a very individualized decision and should not be based on someone else’s decision.
3. There are many professionals and clinicians throughout the world that are working hard to improve diagnosis and treatment for lipedema.
○ As an occupational therapist, I am not always aware of the studies going on behind the scenes. After hearing about multiple studies that have concluded and ones that are in progress, I know there are going to be advancements soon with this diagnosis very soon!
4. The Lipedema community is like no other medical community I have ever been a part of!
○ Everyone at the conference was supportive of each other’s roles and personal journey.
○ Lipedema is a TOUGH diagnosis to live with and to treat. The chronic disease is exhausting for women physically and mentally. As a clinician, when I see my patients struggling it is hard for me too because I want them to improve, and sometimes I feel my hands are tied with the diagnosis as well.
○ If you have lipedema, it is crucial for you to know there is a large community of women and clinicians who are out there to support and guide you.
Did any of you attend the conference? I would love to hear your thoughts and takeaways - do tell!
What would you guys like to hear more about? Any areas of specific interest? Any questions, comments?
Drop your comments below!
I left the weekend feeling exhausted, but energized at the same time knowing the world of lipedema is going to improve very soon thanks to this incredible community!