July’s Research Roundtable featured an engaging discussion between Dr. Karen Herbst and Melissa Seaton, MSN, FNP-C, of the Roxbury Institute, exploring how lifestyle medicine can improve outcomes for people living with lipedema, lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and related fat disorders. Melissa shared her personal journey from struggling with obesity as a child to becoming a nurse practitioner passionate about preventive and functional medicine, emphasizing her commitment to identifying root causes rather than simply treating symptoms.
The conversation highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis and individualized care.
Nutrition remains one of the most powerful treatment tools. Melissa recommended an anti-inflammatory, whole-foods approach rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, fiber, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids while limiting processed foods. She emphasized that there is no single “best” diet for everyone, encouraging patients to find a sustainable eating pattern that supports both symptom improvement and long-term health. Ketogenic or lower-carbohydrate approaches may benefit some individuals, but personalization remains the key.
For patients who continue experiencing digestive symptoms despite healthy eating, functional testing may provide additional answers. The presenters discussed Mediator Release Testing (MRT) for identifying food sensitivities, gut microbiome testing to evaluate digestive health, and the role of elimination diets in reducing inflammation. They also reviewed evidence supporting carefully selected supplements, including micronized diosmin (MPFF), magnesium, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids, while stressing that supplements work best when built upon a solid foundation of nutrition, sleep, and stress management.
The discussion also covered exciting advances in medical treatment. Melissa shared the clinic’s positive experience using very low-dose tirzepatide, with many patients reporting improvements in pain, heaviness, swelling, and overall quality of life in addition to weight loss. Dr. Herbst also discussed emerging peptide therapies, including retatrutide, as promising future options for preserving muscle while reducing fat.
Quality sleep, stress management, hydration, morning sunlight, and gratitude were discussed as powerful tools for reducing inflammation and improving overall health. Routine laboratory testing, including vitamin D, inflammatory markers, fasting insulin, and other metabolic measures, helps personalize treatment and monitor progress.
The session concluded with an encouraging message of hope. Melissa reminded patients that receiving a diagnosis is the beginning of understanding their condition, not the end of their story. Dr. Herbst shared exciting news that new ICD-10 diagnostic codes for lipedema, Dercum’s disease, Madelung’s disease, and related disorders are expected to become available in October 2027. These codes have the potential to improve recognition, expand access to compression therapy and surgery, and strengthen insurance coverage for patients. Together, the speakers emphasized that growing research, increased provider awareness, and new therapeutic options are creating a brighter future for the lipedema community.
This Roundtable was originally recorded live on July 6, 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Lympha Press. The content is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.
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