The lipedema research world is an exciting place! This page is updated approximately quarterly. It was started in 2026 and will gradually get some back-fill on earlier studies. Are you a researcher and have an addition or comment? E-mail hello@lipedemaND.com
Lipedema Research Updates
Spring 2026 Updates
The Lipedema World Alliance published a Delphi consensus-based position paper January 2026
in Nature Communications representing experts from 19 countries. 59 consensus statements were reached adding to the framework of definitions and treatments for lipedema. (Lipedema World Alliance Delphi Consensus-Based Position Paper on the Definition and Management of Lipedema: Results From the 2023 Lipedema World Congress in Potsdam. Nature Communications. 2026. Kruppa P, Crescenzi R, Faerber G, et al.)
A Comparison Study of Wet vs. Dry Liposuction
This study looked at 106 consecutive surgeries showed both were effective, but the wet technique demonstrated greater potential in pain reduction and better aesthetic satisfaction at 12 months post-surgery, with shorter operative times. (A Single Center Retrospective Observational Study on 106 Consecutive Lipedema Surgeries: Defining the Ideal Surgical Approach. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS. 2026. Thiry M, Schiraldi L, Guiotto M, et al.)
Future potential biomarker identified January 2026
A groundbreaking study identified AKT1 as a site of epigenetic alterations that result in impaired cellular energy metabolism in the pathophysiology of lipedema. AKT1 may serve as a biomarker and possibly even avenue for treatment in the future. (Epigenetic Alterations of AKT1 Orchestrate a Metabolic Reprogramming in Advanced Lipedema: Translational Insights From an Integrated Multi-Omics Study. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2026. Santella B, Salvati A, Papp A, et al.)
A systematic review on lipedema treatments published in January 2026 rated tumescent liposuction as a grade 1 recommendation
Tumescent liposuction was associated with the strongest evidence for sustained symptom improvement, mobility, and quality of life. Conservative therapies examined in the study that were associated with reduced pain and swelling included the ketogenic or Rare Adipose Disorders (RAD) diets, compression therapy, and aquatic exercise. (Lipedema Diagnosis, Clinical Manifestations, and Therapeutics: A Systematic Review.International Journal of Dermatology. 2026. Vazirnia A, Smart DR, Mohseni Y, Amron DM.)
