General Health

Effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on pain and quality of life in female patients with lipedema: a randomized controlled trial

Lipedema is a chronic condition involving abnormal fat accumulation and pain in the lower body. It primarily affects women and is often underdiagnosed, with treatment typically focused on managing symptoms due to the lack of a cure.

Researchers recently conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet versus a low-fat diet on pain and quality of life in women with lipedema.

The study participants were 70 women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-45. They were assigned to consumed either a low-carb or low-fat diet providing about 1,200 calories per day for eight weeks. Weekly follow-ups ensured compliance and allowed for dietary adjustments.

The primary outcome was pain intensity; secondary outcomes included quality of life, body weight, and body composition. Participants in the low-carb group were excluded from the analysis if they did not maintain a minimum level of ketosis confirmed by weekly urinary ketone testing.

Key findings:

• The low-carb group showed significantly greater reductions in pain intensity and pain interference with daily activities than the control group.
• Quality of life increased in both groups, but the low-carb group reported significantly larger increases in energy, emotional well-being, and social functioning compared to the control group.
• Although both groups lost weight, the low-carb group had a significantly greater reduction in body weight and fat mass.
• The pain reduction in the low-carb group was not directly linked to the extent of weight loss, indicating other factors––such as reduced inflammation or tissue water content––may play a role.

This study suggests that a low-carbohydrate diet may be more effective than a low-fat diet for reducing pain and improving quality of life in women with lipedema. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms involved.