As we proudly don our purple shirts this June, we embrace the powerful opportunity to share a wealth of resources and raise awareness. While lipedema may not yet be recognized in Canada, Lipedema Canada is leading the charge and applied to Health Canada for June to be celebrated as Lipedema Awareness Month, just as it is in many other countries. Together, we stand resilient, uplifting each other and shining a light on this condition, even in the face of challenges.
Lipedema is a chronic medical condition that primarily affects women (individuals assigned female at birth). It leads to a symmetrical accumulation of painful adipose tissue (fat) in the legs, arms, and lower trunk. Symptoms of lipedema include pain, swelling, heaviness, loose skin, easy bruising, and the sensation of nodules beneath the skin. Learn more
Whether you suspect you might have lipedema or you have been formally diagnosed, we have resources and information to help you on your lipedema journey. Find sample letters for diagnosis, brochures, tax guides, and more on our Patient Resources page.
Looking for our list of clincians, doctors, and therapists that can offer care for lipedema? Check out our Provider Database. Stay tuned for our searchable database coming soon.
Bringing Lipedema Canada brochures to your next appointment can help start important talks. You can download them in both languages from our website or order printed copies to be sent to your home.
We have a supportive and growing community online. If you are looking for people who understand what it’s like to be a Canadian with lipedema and can offer support, consider joining us on our Facebook support group.
Are you motivated to do more? Lipedema Canada is run by dedicated volunteers that work together to raise awareness and govern our national association. Sign up to become a volunteer today.
You may be wondering why it is so difficult to find care, diagnosis, or insurance coverage for lipedema in Canada. This is a broad topic, but here are the key points. To learn more be sure to catch our webinars in June.
Despite being a recognized condition since 1940, lipedema is not formally taught in medical schools in Canada. This omission from medical and nursing curricula leaves the estimated 2.2 million lipedema patients in Canada without access to knowledgeable clinicians to manage their condition.
Lipedema's disease-specific diagnostic code is not integrated into the provincial billing systems in Canada. The World Health Organization recognized lipedema in 2019 in version 11 of the International Disease Code (IDC) EF0.02. However, all provinces are using old versions of the IDC. This means that accurate statistics for lipedema prevalence and considerations for funding and research are omitted in Canada.
A Standard of Care defines the expected level of medical treatment for a condition. Currently, Canada has no established standard for lipedema, leaving clinicians to depend on international guidelines. These may not suit Canada’s healthcare system, making diagnosis and treatment inconsistent and challenging for both patients and healthcare providers.
Currently, there is no standard provincial healthcare coverage for lipedema care (compression, manual lymphatic drainage, or lipedema reduction surgery). While some patients have been covered by the provincial systems on a case-by-case basis, this coverage often results from lengthy legal battles. Lipedema care can be a significant financial burden for patients.
There are no doctors or surgeons that specialize in lipedema care in Canada. Due to a lack of education, research, and policies for lipedema in Canada, presently there are no safe surgical options in Canada. The lack of a Canadian Standard of Care, surgical policies for lipedema, and collaborative care teams can leave patients vulnerabe and without access to care.
Lipedema is often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema. Gender bias, weight bias, fatphobia, and underrepresentation in research and medicine all contribute to the stigma surrounding lipedema. The weight of lipedema goes far beyond the disproportionate accumulation of fat tissue.
There are so many wonderful ways to advocate for lipedema! Whether you’re sharing your personal story, spreading informative resources on social media, or coming together at legislative events, every effort counts.
Here are some fantastic opportunities to help raise awareness for lipedema!
We’re thrilled to share our fun new T-shirt designs that are sure to spark great conversations and raise awareness! These amazing packages showcase Lipedema Canada’s unique creations by our talented resident designer. Plus, every purchase helps support the fantastic work of the Lipedema Canada team. Available in both English and French.
Don’t wait – get yours today!
We are hosting some fantastic and informative free webinars this month. If you want to learn more about lipedema, check out the calendar below.
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We’re excited to invite you to join our Empowered Images photo contest! Here’s your chance to shine on our website, in our newsletter, and even snag a fabulous prize pack from LipCan. Plus, you’ll be helping to raise awareness for lipedema!
Don’t forget to tag us on social media @lipedemacanada (Facebook) or @lipedema_canada (Instagram), or simply send your lovely photos to photos@lipedemacanada.org
One of the best ways we’ve found to spread the word about lipedema is by sharing fun and informative posts and pictures on social media! Feel free to repost our shares, or you can easily download the images here and share them on all your platforms. Check out the growing gallery of images below!
Use the hashtags #LipedemaCanada #ReadytobeRecognized and #LipedemaAwareness
Please read our best practices when you share copyrighted images.
Click the images below to download the templates
Your support matters
Lipedema Canada stands as a beacon of hope for the lipedema community across Canada. As the National Association for Lipedema, LipCan is powered by passionate volunteers committed to creating a brighter future. Join us in this meaningful journey; your generous donation can make a difference and will be acknowledged with a tax receipt. Together, we can open minds and change lives!
