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Current Obesity Reports
Published in: Current Obesity Reports 4/2023

Open Access 04-11-2023 | Lipedema | REVIEW

Ketogenic Diet: A Nutritional Therapeutic Tool for Lipedema?

Authors: Ludovica Verde, Elisabetta Camajani, Giuseppe Annunziata, Antoanstefan Sojat, Ljiljana V. Marina, Annamaria Colao, Massimiliano Caprio, Giovanna Muscogiuri, Luigi Barrea

Published in: Current Obesity Reports | Issue 4/2023

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence on the efficacy, also considering the anti-inflammatory properties and safety of very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) as a potential treatment for lipedema, particularly in the context of obesity.

Recent Findings

Lipedema is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal and painful fat buildup on the legs and/or arms. It is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. However, although lipedema and obesity can coexist, unlike obesity, lipedema usually affects the legs and thighs without affecting the feet or hands, and the abnormal deposition of adipose tissue in lipedema is painful. The current lifestyle interventions are often unsuccessful in the management of lipedema. There is no consensus on the most effective nutritional approach for managing lipedema. Recent studies have suggested that VLCKD may be an effective treatment for lipedema, demonstrating that it is also superior to other nutritional approaches such as Mediterranean diet or intermittent fasting.

Summary

Lipedema is a chronic and debilitating disease characterized by abnormal and painful accumulation of adipose tissue in the legs. VLCKD has been shown to be an effective treatment for lipedema, especially in the context of obesity, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of VLCKD as a treatment for lipedema.
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Metadata
Title
Ketogenic Diet: A Nutritional Therapeutic Tool for Lipedema?
Authors
Ludovica Verde
Elisabetta Camajani
Giuseppe Annunziata
Antoanstefan Sojat
Ljiljana V. Marina
Annamaria Colao
Massimiliano Caprio
Giovanna Muscogiuri
Luigi Barrea
Publication date
04-11-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Obesity Reports / Issue 4/2023
Electronic ISSN: 2162-4968
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00536-x

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