Lipedema Patient Roundtable: March 2024

"Perfectionism is the enemy of good." This was just one of the powerful takeaways from the March Lipedema Patient Roundtable. Special guest Dr. Nicholas Pennings, DO, FOMA, FACO, FP, has devoted his career to studying and treating obesity and lipedema. An expert on one of the hottest related topics, GLP-1 medications, he fielded a host of insightful questions from a curious panel and audience. Side effects, insulin resistance, potential impacts on fibrosis, and much more were covered during the hour. Dr. Pennings said that family members and, sadly, medical professionals are the most likely to perpetuate stigmas surrounding obesity: "Obesity is a chronic disease. The goal is not a number on the scale; it is about health. And your size is not your fault." His closing words of encouragement? "Correcting bias and shame begins with yourself." In a world where lipedema patients remain judged for their size, he emphasized being kind to ourselves. Jenny Beaujean echoed this call to kindness, first to ourselves, then to others: "May I be free from fear. May I be free from suffering. May I be happy..." These words ended a truly educational and inspirational hour, with special thanks to moderator Brenda Viola (@BrendaViola_ViciCommunications) for Lympha Press and special guest Dr. Nicholas Pennings, Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Campbell University, School of Osteopathic Medicine. Heartfelt appreciation to our anchors: Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear) Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly) Jenny Beaujean (@jenny_beaujean) The monthly Lipedema Patient Roundtables are part of Lympha Press' commitment to supporting lipedema patients and helping them manage their condition. Many patients have experienced reduced pain, increased mobility, and many other benefits by using the Optimal Plus, indicated by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema. To find out more, visit www.lymphapress.com. Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on ⁠⁠the Lipedema Channel on YouTube⁠⁠, or on ⁠⁠Instagram at @lympha_press⁠⁠.