The Lipodiet study
As of today, there are neither Norwegian guidelines for the treatment and follow-up of women with lipoedema, nor non-invasive treatment alternatives for this patient group.
A ketogenic diet has been suggested as a possible treatment option, but there are very few studies that have investigated this. Lipoedema is associated with chronic pain, which is likely to be an important factor contributing to reduced quality of life.
The aim of the study is to investigate whether a ketogenic diet can be a treatment option for patients with lipoedema by reducing pain and improving quality of life. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of two dietary interventions.
The study included 70 women with lipedema and obesity, aged 18-75 from Helse Midt-Norge, the inclusion has now ended.
In the study, we investigate whether there is a difference between the treatment options for pain that often occurs with lipoedema. To examine pain and quality of life, we use various questionnaires.
The two diets are low-energy over 8 weeks, so regardless of which group the participants belonged in, they achieved weight reduction. Both diets consist of common foods, but they differ in terms of carbohydrate and fat content. One low-carb and the other a conservative low energy diet.
We assessed, in addition to pain and quality of life, body composition, appetite-regulating hormones, resting metabolic rate, blood tests etc. before and after the treatment.
The participants have received follow-up by a clinical nutritionist regularly throughout the diet intervention.