So, What Is Lipedema? Misdiagnosis and Hormones

Lipedema Talks · Episódios

In this episode of Lipedema Talks, part of the Lipedema Evolution 2026 congress, Letícia Miyamoto interviews endocrinologist Mitsuo Henrique Obata about the clinical approach to lipedema, its pathophysiology, misdiagnosis, and treatments. Dr. Henrique explains how the inflammatory, hormone-driven fat of lipedema — tied to estrogen imbalance — shows up at moments such as the postpartum period and menopause, and why the disease is symmetrical, painful, and disproportionate to the trunk. He details the most frequent misdiagnoses, stresses that clinical assessment outweighs test results, and discusses the need to prepare the biological groundwork before injectable protocols. He also addresses patients' emotional suffering, the prejudice that still exists, and the challenges of diagnosing men. Watch for a deep dive into the science and treatment of lipedema.