Lipoedema is an inflammatory condition affecting loose connective tissue. Which can include skin, tendon, ligament, vasculature, gut lining, cellular membranes, immune system organs, teeth, bone, and adipose cells.

Diseased adipose cells cause disproportionate fat accumulation which is not responsive to traditional diet and exercise. Lipoedema is often complicated by comorbidities and has the potential to progress to severe disability. While in Australia a diagnosis often occurs only when the disease has progressed to late stage. Early diagnosis and consistent conservative measures may be sufficient to slow progression.