Could it be the food? Here, we are about to explore one type of lipedema treatment – the way in which your body reacts to certain types of food.

An IgG reaction is a delayed immune response which triggers low-grade inflammation. By utilizing IgG testing, we can see what the body is reacting to, allowing you to make better choices at the plate level for your lipedema. IgG testing narrows down food hypersensitivities allowing healthcare providers to recommend diets to patients. This test identifies foods that your immune system is reacting to (even without your awareness) contributing to your lipedema.

IgG food sensitivity testing was utilized in the treatment of a 52-year-old female patient with stage 2 lipedema. She presented ankle edema, calf discomfort, night cramps, and spider veins, scoring 103 points on the QuASiL questionnaire. [PMC 2021]

They identified a few of her food triggers: yogurt, cow’s milk, cashews, poppy seeds and mushrooms. When she transitioned to an anti-inflammatory, low-carb diet, combined with aquatic exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, and antioxidant herbal medicine– she experienced significant symptom reduction. A QuASiL score reduction to 69 points after 1 month (33% improvement) and further to 22 points after 5 months (78.64% improvement), alongside a total limb volume reduction of 1,920.2 mL.

We know that an elimination diet based on IgG antibodies can help patients reduce allergy symptoms and experience weight loss. [Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences (2024)]. Reduced IgG reactions lower inflammation and so it makes sense that lipedema symptoms are drastically reduced.
According to Allergologia et Immunopathologia (2023), a 50-year-old Saudi woman with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) for one and a half years, partially responsive to antihistamines, visited the allergy and immunology clinic; symptoms started 6 months after following an oat-rich diet for weight loss; Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7) was 23 out of 42, with symptoms including itchy, erythematous skin rash and wheals, mainly on upper limbs, exacerbated by stress and scratching.
When she started avoiding foods with elevated IgG levels and took 10 mg of Loratadine, her urticaria symptoms improved after two weeks and disappeared within six weeks – there is an overlap between lipedema and urticaria as they are both inflammatory conditions.

This storyline wouldn’t feel complete without also mentioning Cheryl Scoledge, the founder of the Facebook group, “Lipedema and Food Sensitivities.” She was having undiagnosed lipedema until the age of 50. Taking matters into her own hands, she underwent food intolerance testing and made adjustments based on her results. What were they? Going from a size 24 to a size 10, and then speaking at the Fat Disorders Research Society Conference.

More research is still needed to cement the link between lipedema and IgG reactions, but we know there is correlation between food sensitivities, inflammation, and the symptoms this reaction produces. By allowing time to undergo a test and making dietary modifications alongside other treatment options, you are able to better your lipedema condition. It’s as simple as rethinking what you’re having for dinner.

You may be wondering if your plate is a factor in your lipedema symptoms, and it very well could be. It might be worth having the conversation with your physician. We can send an at-home IgG blood test to you, so you can test yourself for potential food sensitivities, revealing inflammation you were not aware of. Note, these are for informational purposes only—results do not diagnose conditions and may reflect normal responses.

We like to offer a personalized approach prioritizing holistic healing. Aligning your mind, body, and foods into the equation – you are able to navigate your healing journey as we equip you with science and lifestyle shifts to provide guidance on understanding your results. While we take a holistic educational approach, we’re not medical professionals and do not offer treatment plans or guarantees. Surgery and/or other options may still be appropriate for some—be sure to consult your healthcare provider.