On the 5th anniversary of the Lipedema Patient Roundtable, the panel took an honest look at how fatphobia impacts those living with lipedema. Special guest Nathalie Mahood, a lipedema patient and a professional pursuing licensure as an independent clinical social worker, spoke about the deep effects of shame on mental health and the importance of reframing how we think about health and weight. “Fat is so often seen as a moral shortcoming or lack of willpower, which is a myth,” she explained. “I want to leave folks with a different framework to look at health.”
Panelist Cara Cruz raised important insights about the cycle of using food as punishment and the emotional patterns of restriction and bingeing — a topic that resonated with many in attendance. The discussion underscored the importance of focusing less on numbers and more on achieving health at any size.
For lipedema patients, the real challenge isn’t just fat — it’s the pain and inflammation that can severely affect quality of life. The panel shared effective ways to manage inflammation and encouraged patients to continue wearing their compression garments, especially during the summer months when heat can make it more tempting to skip. And when it’s really hot? Turn up the air conditioning and keep benefiting from Lympha Press pneumatic compression therapy — treatment that’s easy to live with.
Panelist Angelique Charles also shared that her recent battle with cellulitis has resolved and offered helpful advice to reduce sweat and moisture, which can be a breeding ground for infections.
For those struggling with the stigma and shame that often surround lipedema, the panel offered an important reminder: take time to appreciate what your body does for you. Those same legs that may seem larger than others still help you move through the world — they’re strong, and so are you.
The evening closed with reflections on five years of the Lipedema Patient Roundtable, a space where community members have connected, supported one another, and shared their journeys. The panelists wore purple for Lipedema Awareness Month and red lipstick to honor the memory of Pattie Cornute, an inspiring advocate and friend whose birthday would have been celebrated in June.
Special thanks to our purple-clad panelists:
- Jenny Beaujean (@Jenny_Beajean)
- Siouxie Boshoff (@lipedema.living)
- Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly)
- Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear)
- Linda Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn)
- Nathalie Mahood (@Naths_fat_life)
- Brenda Viola (@BrendaViola_ViciCommunications)
To learn more about how Lympha Press can help you manage lipedema, visit www.lymphapress.com.
This Roundtable was originally recorded live on June 18, 2025, and has been edited for time. The views and opinions expressed in this Patient Roundtable are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Lympha Press.
This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition or treatment.