Legs Like Mine: The Podcast

Could the most overlooked conservative treatment for lipedema be... muscle?For years, lipedema conversations have focused on diagnosis, compression, surgery, pain management, lymphatics, and symptom control. All important. But what if we’ve been missing one of the most important pieces for preserving mobility?A brand-new study found that **sarcopenia, loss of muscle mass and strength, is prevalent in women with lower-extremity lipedema and increases with disease stage.** That means as lipedema progresses, many patients may be losing the very muscle they need to stabilize joints, climb stairs, protect their knees, and stay independent.In this episode of *Legs Like Mine*, we break down the research in plain language and connect it to a second emerging framework explaining why so many women with lipedema develop knee pain, altered gait, valgus collapse, and cartilage damage that may be misattributed or undertreated.I’m also sharing my own story. As a woman with stage 3 lipedema, I was headed toward knee replacement. After just two months of progressive resistance training three times a week, I can do stairs again and cancelled my surgery. This episode is for:✔️ Lipedema patients struggling with mobility✔️ Physical therapists treating unexplained knee pain✔️ Physicians managing lipedema care✔️ Anyone asking whether conservative care has been too narrowly definedIf preserving mobility matters, this may be one of the most important conversations happening in lipedema right now.As promised during the video, here are a few links: Study: Ozbek IC, Kuculmez O, Dundar Ahi E. Prevalence of sarcopenia and its functional correlates in women with lower-extremity lipedema: A cross-sectional observational study. Phlebology. 2026 May 8:2683555261451570. doi: 10.1177/02683555261451570. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42102393.: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42102393/Paper: Amato AC. Chondromalacia in Lipedema: The Sarcopenic-Valgus Cascade That Keeps Getting Missed. Cureus. 2025 Oct 24;17(10):e95299. doi: 10.7759/cureus.95299. PMID: 41287673; PMCID: PMC12640552: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41287673/FREE copies of my Aqua Therapy for Lipedema and Lymphedema Book, along with others: https://legslikemine.com/books-and-downloads/Dr. Amato's book - The Essential Guide to Living with Lipedema: Discovering the Truth and Transforming Treatment of a Misunderstood Condition: https://amzn.to/4u8X2v9Theraband Resistance Bands (Open): https://amzn.to/4eIXxHfCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

In this episode I discuss a new research study from Spain that just came out, where researchers surveyed more than 1000 lipedema patients and compared the results to the national health survey. The findings confirm the overwhelming data supporting several key comorbidities with lipedema, and a couple I hadn't heard before. Why's this important? Take a listen to hear what the significance is! The research study I'm discussing is here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02683555261435120?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmedCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

There's been a lot of hype, and different people trying to sell patients information, about a possible blood test for lipedema. Guess what? Research IS happening on it, and yes, they have found some biomarkers that will lead to a test...someday. I'll talk today about a paper released within the last month that might lead to that test we need for an objective diagnosis. Bottom line: DO NOT PAY ANYONE FOR INFORMATION about a blood test. It's a scam. Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

Today I am discussing the newly-dropped Global Lipedema Consensus Document that was published by members of the Lipedema World Alliance. (link)In this comeback of Legs Like Mine, I break down a major new international medical consensus document on lipedema and why it matters so much for our community. This paper calls out what many of us have known for years: lipedema is a chronic disease, it comes with real symptoms like pain, heaviness, swelling, and easy bruising, and it is not the same thing as obesity.I explain the key highlights in plain language, including why diagnosis is often missed, what the document says about treatment and management, and how this consensus makes it harder for doctors and society to dismiss, misdiagnose, or blame us. This episode is about validation, awareness, and finally having receipts that support what we’ve been saying all along.The LegsLikeMine Podcast and content posted by LegsLikeMine is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment.visit me at www.LegsLikeMine.comAnd see all of the books I've written about lipedema here on my author page on Amazon.

Take action: Email the CDC at ⁠[email protected]⁠ before October 9, 2025 to support the initiative — and ask ten friends or supporters to do the same. Together, our voices can make a lasting impact.Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, we dive into why ICD-10 codes for lipedema are so urgently needed in the United States. While some argue that ICD-11 will solve the problem eventually, the reality is that the U.S. has no timeline for adopting ICD-11 — leaving patients invisible in the healthcare system.We’ll cover why diagnosis codes matter for tracking prevalence, ensuring consistency, and building the knowledge bases that guide clinical care. You’ll also hear why “waiting for ICD-11” is not an acceptable answer for patients today.Take action: Email the CDC at [email protected] before October 9, 2025 to support the initiative — and ask ten friends or supporters to do the same. Together, our voices can make a lasting impact.

Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, we’re diving into something that doesn’t get talked about enough: kinesiophobia, the fear of movement, and how it affects people living with lipedema.A new study reveals that 78% of lipedema patients experience kinesiophobia, which can lead to a cycle of inactivity, increased pain, and declining quality of life. But here’s the good news: we’re not stuck. 💪Tune in as we explore:What kinesiophobia is and why it’s so common in lipedemaThe emotional and physical impact of avoiding movementReal, practical tips to gently and safely overcome that fearHow to start moving again in a way that supports your body—not punishes itWhether you’re just starting your lipedema journey or looking to reclaim your strength, this episode offers hope, science, and encouragement to help you move forward—literally.Here are some links I promised in the podcast:Free pdf of my book Aqua Therapy for LIpedema and Lymphedema: www.LegsLikeMine.com/books-and-downloadsEdely Wallace - lymphatic Yoga: https://youtu.be/KaB3Vl6qDmg?si=LeaTIaOM2YD-5g_KBook: Hypermobility on the Yoga Mat by Jess Glenny: https://amzn.to/4o8nK4gCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQResearch Source: Kasap Z, Türköz MD, Keleş B, Çilesizoğlu Yavuz N. Unveiling kinesiophobia: A hidden challenge in women with lipedema. Phlebology. 2025 Jul 14:2683555251360606. doi: 10.1177/02683555251360606. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40660631.

This one is a little bit heavy on the science but what the big takeaway is, is that researchers are looking into our genetics, our bloodwork, and our fat cells, and are learning how to identify lipedema from blood tests, and understanding how our lipedema fat works. The results will surprise you. No, don't run off and get a blood test or a genetics test just yet, this is early research that will take time, but BIG TIME forward movement is happening thanks to the amazing researchers like Dr. Herbst. This episode is a must-listen for anyone living with lipedema, a researcher interested in lipedema, or someone supporting someone who does. We dive deep into a game-changing new study published in the journal In this episode, we broke down an extremely scientific and technical publication down what the study found, including:How fat cells in early-stage lipedema show dysregulation meaning important fat cell messengers aren't communicating properly.A surprising discovery about decreased inflammation in lipedema fat tissue, which really changes how we think about the condition.New insights into altered metabolic processes, and perhaps most exciting – how this research is helping to develop accurate blood-test-based prediction models for lipedema, bringing us closer to objective diagnosis.This study is a huge step forward in validating our experiences and finding real answers. Tune in to hear how this groundbreaking science is shaping the future for the lipedema community.#LegsLikeMine #Lipedema #LipedemaAwareness #LipedemaResearch #NewEpisode #Podcast #ChronicIllness #WomensHealth #Hope #Community #lipoedema

As the month progresses, I'm enjoying all of the challenge bits more and more, especially the drinking of water and moisturizing. These are things I needed to be doing. In this episode I also talk about the OKC Thunder, and some progress the American Lipedema Association is making. Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

Come sit with me for a while while I tell a tall tale of making call to action videos for national news media and a long lipedema ladies meet up in OKC this weekend. It was good and busy and I'm happy it all happened! #lipedema #lipoedema #advocacy #community #challenge #lipedemaawarenessmonth

Welcome to Legs Like Mine, the podcast, where we talk about all things lipedema from a patient's perspective. I watch for new research and news about lipedema every day and come to share it with you. And today, we have a major announcement. Aetna is settling outside of a trial on a 6 year old class action case for denying women with lipedema the treatment they need to save mobility, function, and relieve pain. Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

Follow along with me to see what I've learned, what challenges I've experienced, and glories gained by going through my own Lipedema Awareness Month challenge. This week is all about reaching out to BIG media and today I've emailed Mel Robins and Oprah, both my favorites, to ask them to do a show about lipedema, since it does affect 11% of women. It's kind of a big deal.

Hi friends! Wondering how my challenge is going and if I've given up yet? LOL. Join me this Monday morning for an update.

In this episode, I am personally inviting you to join me in the Lipedema Awareness Month Challenge — a 30-day journey designed to raise awareness outside the lipedema community. Why? Because 1 in 9 women may have lipedema, and most will never be correctly diagnosed.You’ll learn:✔️ What lipedema really is✔️ Why it’s not just about weight✔️ The daily habits in this awareness challenge✔️ Simple ways YOU can raise awareness, even if you’ve never heard of lipedema before todayTogether, we can shine a light on this condition and help more women get the answers they deserve.

In this episode I'm talking about my success yesterday, sharing lipedema stuff on an influencer's page (Jeremiah Daniel Johnson on FB), using AI to write songs using Suno AI, and how I used DALL-E image generation to illustrate my children's book and one of my coffee table books featuring women with lipedema. Here's a link to my author page on Amazon where I use my real name (I have a lot of books under a pen name too, lol!): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susan-OHara/author/B09Y3RTDN3?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1749230122&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=00c25536-62e3-4fa5-affa-967be3c0799fHere's a link to the books I'm reading about AI: Prediction Machines: https://amzn.to/3SF9jWYAI 2041: https://amzn.to/444hx1gHere's a link to some of my shoes from LegsLikeMine: https://www.LegsLikeMine.com/productsCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

Today's video goes over my personal Lipedema Awareness Month Challenge consisting of seven things I want to do this month. And on day 4, I missed the mark by 1 out of seven. Which one will it be?Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQPS: Because some of you asked - here is a link to the MEGA thing of protein powder I am showing. Tasted pretty good. https://amzn.to/3ZdZBP6

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In today’s episode, host Susan O’Hara shares what she’s discovered while scanning PubMed every single day for new lipedema research — and why so many recent studies seem to repeat the same thing:🧐 “We need more research.”📉 “Tools are inconsistent.”🧪 “There’s no standard protocol.”Susan highlights the growing number of systematic reviews in the lipedema space — papers that analyze existing research without contributing new data — and reads directly from the latest one published in Obesity Reviews in May 2025:📚 Cifarelli V. Lipedema: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead. Obes Rev. 2025 May 27:e13953.👉https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40425048/And she directly quotes an older research study:Eason HE, Kilbreath SL, Fearn N, Dylke ES. Assessment Tools to Quantify the Physical Aspects of Lipedema: A Systematic Review. Lymphat Res Biol. 2025 Mar 5. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2024.0102. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40042124.🎙 If you're frustrated with slow progress in lipedema care — or curious about how research gets done and why it matters — this is an episode you won't want to miss.🦵 Let’s talk about what’s missing, what’s promising, and how patients can stay informed in a sea of reviews with no real conclusions.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🔍 Lipedema Isn’t Just Physical — It’s Personal.In this episode of Legs Like Mine: The Podcast, we break down an important new study that explores how women with lipedema experience daily life — physically, emotionally, and socially. This research goes beyond symptoms and shines a light on the invisible struggles: shame, stigma, and the constant fight for acceptance.🎓 Study Title: More than meets the eye: phenomenological insights into the functioning of people with lipoedema📖 Read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2025.2463157💬 Learn what patients say about:– Feeling like their legs “don’t work”– Avoiding mirrors, beaches, and social events– The emotional toll of living with a chronic, misunderstood condition– What true acceptance looks like — and why it’s so hard to findThis study matters for patients, primary care providers, mental health professionals, and anyone who wants to truly understand lipedema beyond the surface.🙌 If you or someone you love has lipedema, this episode will validate your experience and give you language to advocate for better care.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes about lipedema, new research, and real patient stories.❤️ Like, comment, and share to help spread awareness.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

Join me as I provide my day 3 update, including a crazy day, how I met protein, remembering to moisturize at lunchtime, changes I'm seeing in my legs from water running, and more! #lipedema #lipoedema #lipedemaawareness

June is lipedema awareness month! Follow along with me as I complete a 30 day lipedema awareness challenge with seven goals each day. Today is a report out from Day 2 and plans for travel and completing the goal each day.#lipedema #lipoedema #lipedemaawarenessmonth

🎧 The Hidden Burden: How Lipedema Impacts Intimacy and Sexual HealthIn this powerful episode of Legs Like Mine: The Podcast, we break the silence around an often-ignored topic: how lipedema affects sexual health, body image, and intimate relationships.We dive into a 2025 study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, titled “Experiences of Sexual Health and Intimate Relationships in Women With Lipedema” by Falck, Mårtensson, Jonasson, Dudek, and Nygårdh. Through in-depth interviews with 16 women, the study explores how pain, body shame, and societal stigma impact intimacy, desire, and relationships.💬 Topics covered in this episode:How body image and shame affect sexual confidenceThe physical pain and fatigue of lipedema during intimacyEmotional struggles of longing for closeness but avoiding sexThe silence of healthcare providers around sexual healthHow supportive partners can make a differenceWhy nurses and midwives, and medical professionals must start the conversationWhether you're living with lipedema or providing care to those who are, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes sexual health matters at every size.📖 Full article citation:Falck, J., Mårtensson, J., Jonasson, L.-L., Dudek, J., & Nygårdh, A. (2025). Experiences of Sexual Health and Intimate Relationships in Women With Lipedema: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Advanced Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16933💛 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to help spread lipedema awareness!🔔 New episodes every week during Lipedema Awareness MonthCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

ay 1 – June Lipedema Awareness Challenge ✅Welcome to Day 1 of the Lipedema Awareness Month Challenge! Today, I’m kicking things off strong by meeting all 8 daily goals designed to support our bodies and raise awareness for lipedema.Here’s what I did today:💧 Drank 90 oz of water🏊‍♀️ Swam in the pool💪 Did gentle arm exercises🥩 Ate high-protein meals📚 Took time to read and reflect📹 Shared my journey with you📏 Measured my legs for progress tracking🚫 Avoided sugar completelyI’m proud of this strong start and grateful to be on this journey with others raising awareness, supporting each other, and taking care of our bodies one day at a time.Link to the book I'm reading: Trust Your Mind by Jenara Nerenberg: https://amzn.to/4544RIPLink to the tape measure I'm talking about: https://amzn.to/3SxoKR6Let me know in the comments how your Day 1 went!Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎗 Welcome to my 30-Day Lipedema Awareness Challenge! 🎗I’m Susan O’Hara — a 52-year-old woman living with lipedema, and hypermobile knees and hips. For Lipedema Awareness Month 2025, I've committed to a 30-day challenge modeled after 75 Hard but designed for real bodies like mine.This isn’t about weight loss — it’s about showing up, being visible, and raising awareness for a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood or ignored.✅ Gentle, modified movement✅ Daily self-care✅ No sweets + 100g protein✅ Consistent hydration✅ Mindset work✅ Full visibility — body and all✅ Daily leg measurements✅ Resistance training 3x/weekI'm showing what it looks like to live with lipedema every single day for 30 days.📅 Join me for this month-long journey and help amplify the message:We exist. We matter. We’re strong.💬 COMMENT if you relate, want to join in, or have lipedema.👍 LIKE this video if you support visibility.🔔 SUBSCRIBE for updates on my journey + new lipedema research every week.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Can Compression Therapy Help Lipedema? New Research Says YES! | Legs Like Mine: The Podcast💥 In this episode of Legs Like Mine: The Podcast, lipedema patient and advocate Susan O’Hara breaks down brand-new research showing how advanced pneumatic compression therapy (APCD) significantly improves symptoms in women with lipedema.🔬 Based on the 2025 study published in Life journal, women who used the Lympha Press Optimal Plus at home for just 30 days saw:✅ Reduced leg volume✅ Decreased fluid retention (ECF & ICF)✅ Thinner subcutaneous fat✅ Less pain, swelling, and tenderness✅ Improved quality of life✅ Lower risk of developing lymphedema📚 Read the full study here:👉 https://doi.org/10.3390/life15050725This is big news for the lipedema community. It’s more proof that lipedema is a real, measurable, and treatable medical condition—not a cosmetic issue. This episode is a must-listen for patients, providers, and anyone affected by lipedema.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more lipedema research, lived experience, and advocacy.

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.🦵 Today’s Episode: How Lipedema Affects Mobility and Daily LifeLipedema is more than stubborn fat — it’s a painful, disabling disease that impacts how we move through the world. In this episode, host Susan O’Hara shares the real challenges of living with lipedema: chronic pain, heavy legs, limited mobility, and the emotional weight of not being able to “keep up.”🎙️ What You’ll Learn:Why mobility loss happens in lipedemaHow fatigue, inflammation, and pain affect daily lifeWhat tools and strategies can help you adaptHow to talk to loved ones and doctors about what you're going through💬 Join the conversation in the comments!🩵 We want to hear: How does lipedema affect YOUR daily life?🔗 Useful Links:👉 Learn more at: https://www.AmericanLipedemaAssociation.orgCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, we’re diving into something exciting and hopeful: current clinical trials for lipedema happening in 2025. For a condition that’s long been ignored or misdiagnosed, these trials are a big step toward better treatments — and better lives.🔬 What we cover in this episode:✅ What clinical trials are and how they work✅ Which studies are actively recruiting patients✅ What researchers are trying to learn about lipedema✅ How YOU can find and join a study near you✅ Why this research matters for the entire lipedema community📍 Want to explore the trials for yourself?Visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=lipedema&limit=100&page=1Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing lipedema for years, this episode will help you understand the future of treatment — and how you can be part of it.🩵 We deserve answers. We deserve better care. And research is the key to change.📣 Learn more, share this episode, and subscribe for future updates on lipedema research and advocacy!🔗 More resources:🌐 AmericanLipedemaAssociation.orgCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.📌 In this episode:We’re diving into one of the most important issues facing the lipedema community today — the alarming lack of awareness among medical professionals. We break down the newly published study:📝 “Lipedema awareness and knowledge level among medical doctors in Turkey: A cross-sectional study”📚 Read the study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40177931/This research reveals that more than half of surveyed doctors had never even heard of lipedema — a chronic, painful fat disorder that affects millions of women. And if that’s happening in Turkey, you can bet it’s happening elsewhere too.Host Susan O’Hara shares her personal story of navigating the medical system alone — from getting diagnosed to coordinating her own surgery and recovery — because no one else was guiding the process.🔥 Key topics in this episode:Why so many doctors still don’t know about lipedemaThe diagnosis and treatment gap exposed by new researchHow patients are forced to "cobble together" their own careWhat needs to change in medical education and clinical careHow YOU can advocate for better awareness and support📣 CALL TO ACTION:Visit https://www.AmericanLipedemaAssociation.org to learn how to educate your providers, support national advocacy, and get involved in pushing for full-spectrum lipedema care.🩵 We deserve to be seen. We deserve to be treated. Let’s raise our voices together.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more research breakdowns, real patient stories, and advocacy tools.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode:Lipedema patients are often forced to cobble together their own treatment plans—with little to no guidance from the medical system. From finding a surgeon and coordinating pre-op testing to arranging post-op care and tracking down conservative treatment resources, patients are left to manage it all on their own.Host Susan O’Hara, a lipedema patient and advocate, shares her deeply personal story of navigating treatment while living in Oklahoma. She had to educate her own doctor, organize surgery and travel to California alone, recover without coordinated support, and find a certified lymphedema therapist for limited care—all without a single provider overseeing her plan.This episode shines a light on the lack of comprehensive lipedema care and calls for urgent action:✅ We need full-spectrum care—from diagnosis to lifelong management.✅ We need U.S. doctors to recognize lipedema in every state.✅ We need to stop accepting this broken system as normal.🗣️ If you’ve ever had to build your own care plan from scratch, this episode is for you.👉 Learn more or join the movement at: www.AmericanLipedemaAssociation.org🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories, patient insights, and lipedema research breakdowns.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ @AmericanLipedemaAssociation   @FatDisordersResourceSociety   @lipedemafoundation8294 ​

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research and share real-life experiences of living with this often-misunderstood condition.In this episode, Susan O’Hara dives into a common question many with lipedema ask: Should you wear your compression garments all day and night? We start with a quick disclaimer — I’m not a medical professional, so this episode is for informational purposes only, not medical advice.Learn what compression therapy is, how it helps manage lipedema symptoms, and what research says about the benefits of wearing compression garments. Plus, Susan shares her personal experience and some tips on how to find the right balance for your own journey.If you’re living with lipedema or just curious about managing symptoms better, this episode is for you.📌 Topics Covered:What is compression therapy?Research-backed benefits of compression for lipedemaWearing compression garments day vs. night — what works?Personal insights and practical tips🔗 Resources & Links:Learn more about lipedema: www.AmericanLipedemaAssociation.orgCompression garment info: Sigvaris Compression Therapy - https://www.sigvaris.com/en-us/expertise/basics/compression-therapyResearch study on compression & lipedema: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9859460/✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes and join our community by using #LegsLikeMine on social media!Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I manage frequent travel with both lipedema and lymphedema. From compression wear to seat hacks, hydration to elevation—this is what works for me after years of trial and error. Whether it’s road trips, international flights, or hopping around the U.S., I’ve developed a system that keeps my body as comfortable as possible.👉 I cover:My go-to compression gearWhat I eat and drink before and during travelHow I handle seatbelt extenders and extra seatingWhy I never leave my shoes off on a flightWhat I do post-flight to recover and reduce swellingDon't let lipedema ground you—travel is possible, and your comfort matters.Subscribe for more episodes on research, tips, and stories from the lipedema community.💌 Have questions or tips? Drop a comment below? Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life stories of living with this often misunderstood condition.I cried during this episode.In this deeply personal episode, host Susan O’Hara shares the heartbreaking story of her father — a gentle giant who weighed over 450 pounds and was repeatedly dismissed by the medical system. After months of being given only muscle relaxers for persistent side pain, doctors finally performed exploratory surgery... only to discover stage 4 terminal liver cancer. Why? Because they didn’t have the equipment to scan a body his size.This story is a powerful call to action for bariatric-capable care and size-inclusive medical equipment. Susan connects her father’s experience with the daily realities of women with lipedema, who are often denied proper care due to size bias and systemic inaccessibility.📢 If you've ever been told your pain is “just weight,” this episode is for you.🔍 Topics covered in this episode:Why bariatric-friendly healthcare saves livesHow medical weight bias delays diagnosis and treatmentThe connection between lipedema and systemic inaccessibilityAdvocacy tips for patients seeking size-inclusive care💬 Has size-inaccessibility affected your care? Share your story in the comments — your voice matters.👇 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more lipedema advocacy and patient-centered content.🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS👉 Learn more about lipedema: https://www.AmericanLipedemaAssociation.orgCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ @ObesityAction ​

Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema through the eyes of those who live with it every day. I’m Susan O’Hara, a lipedema patient and advocate, and in this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most damaging myths in medicine:👉 Why diets, exercise, and even bariatric surgery do NOT cure lipedema.Too many patients are told that weight loss will fix their painful, swollen limbs. But the latest U.S. Standard of Care for Lipedema says otherwise. In this evidence-based episode, I share what lipedema tissue actually is, why it doesn't respond to typical weight-loss methods, and what treatments do work.🔬 In this episode, you’ll learn:What makes lipedema fat different from regular fatWhy traditional weight loss advice fails lipedema patientsWhat the U.S. Standard of Care really says about diet and exerciseThe role of compression, lymphatic therapy, and surgeryHow medical gaslighting harms patients with chronic illness📚 Cited Source:Herbst, K.L., et al. (2021). Standard of care for lipedema in the United States. Phlebology, 36(10), 779–796.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02683555211015887✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes on lipedema research, lived experience, and real talk from a patient’s perspective.❤️ If this helped you feel seen, share it with someone who needs to hear it.📌 Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, we’re talking about Stage 4 lipedema — the most advanced and debilitating stage of this chronic fat disorder. Many women in Stage 4 have lost mobility, are living in pain, and have been told they are “beyond help.” But they’re not beyond hope.👉 Learn how to support women with Stage 4 lipedema👉 Understand why traditional medicine often fails them👉 Discover resources, tools, and ways to advocate for the most vulnerable in our community🔍 What is Stage 4 lipedema?Lipedema is a fat disorder that progresses through four stages. In Stage 4, lipedema often combines with lymphedema, causing extreme swelling, limited mobility, and severe health consequences. This stage is often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or ignored by the healthcare system.💡 Who should watch this video?✔️ Women living with Stage 4 lipedema✔️ Caregivers, family, and friends of lipedema patients✔️ Healthcare professionals and advocates✔️ Anyone who believes in healthcare equity and dignity for all🛠️ Resources & Support:Visit https://www.AmericanLipedemaAssociation.org for education, tools, and community support.🧠 Want to learn more about lipedema?Check out other episodes of Legs Like Mine: The Podcast where we dive into lipedema research, patient stories, and advocacy work.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode:We’re speaking directly to medical students and future healthcare providers. If your textbooks never mentioned lipedema — a chronic fat disorder affecting up to 11% of women — you’re not alone. But here’s why that needs to change.Host Susan O’Hara, a lipedema patient and advocate, shares what she wishes doctors had known earlier. Learn how to recognize the signs, avoid misdiagnosis, and understand why lipedema is not obesity — even though it’s often mistaken for it.🎓 Whether you're in med school, residency, or already practicing, this episode will challenge your clinical lens and prepare you to be the doctor every patient deserves.🔎 In this episode, you’ll learn:What lipedema is and how it differs from obesity and lymphedemaFive clinical signs every medical student should knowWhy lipedema fat doesn’t respond to diet or exerciseHow medical bias and outdated curricula harm patientsWhat you can do now to improve care for people with lipedema💡 If you’re a medical student, educator, or healthcare professional — this is essential listening.🌐 Learn more at: https://www.AmericanLipedemaAssociation.org👍 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to help spread awareness and improve lipedema care for future generations.👇 Comment below if this is the first time you’ve heard of lipedema — or if you’re already working to make a difference.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode:Have you ever been told your legs look that way because of obesity — but something didn’t feel right? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, host Susan O’Hara unpacks the key differences between lipedema and obesity, and why so many people with lipedema are misdiagnosed or ignored by the medical system.✔️ Learn how lipedema fat is different from typical body fat✔️ Discover why diet and exercise don’t work for lipedema fat✔️ Understand the signs, symptoms, and what to look for✔️ Hear from someone who’s been there — and found answersWhether you’re newly diagnosed, suspect you might have lipedema, or just want to understand your body better, this episode is for you.📩 Subscribe and hit the bell for weekly episodes that break down the science, share personal stories, and help you advocate for yourself and others.👇 Leave a comment if this resonates with your experience — we’d love to hear your story.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, host Susan O’Hara, a patient and advocate, dives into new research from two Italian medical societies that explores how exercise can support people living with lipedema.✨ Can exercise really help reduce symptoms like swelling, fatigue, and pain?✨ What kinds of movement are safe and effective for people with lipedema?We cover:New findings on how exercise affects fat tissue and lymphatic flowThe best types of low-impact exercises for lipedema (including swimming, walking, and more)Realistic tips for building a movement routine that works with your bodyThe emotional ups and downs of staying active with a chronic condition📄 Read the full research paper here: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13679-024-00579-8📌 Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program.💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — what kinds of movement work for you?🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on new episodesCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, I’m reading Chapter 2 of my book, Jeans on a Beach Day. This chapter dives into the early confusion, shame, and subtle signs of lipedema that so many of us experienced before finding answers. From teenage memories of hiding our legs to the judgment we silently absorbed, this story reflects the emotional truth behind living with lipedema — especially when no one, not even doctors, seemed to understand.💡 Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with lipedema for years, this chapter is for anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “What’s wrong with me?” Spoiler alert: there’s nothing wrong with you — and you’re not alone.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, we’re going back to the basics:What exactly is lipedema, who gets it, and how does it show up in the body?Lipedema is a chronic, painful, and widely underdiagnosed condition that primarily affects women. In just five minutes, I walk you through the hallmark signs and symptoms of lipedema, how it typically presents, and why so many of us go years without a diagnosis.You’ll learn:What makes lipedema different from obesity or lymphedemaThe key physical signs to look forWhen and why lipedema tends to developThe role hormones may playHow lipedema affects daily life and what it feels like to live with itIf you've ever wondered whether your body changes might be more than just "stubborn fat" — this episode is for you.👇 Leave a comment below if this episode helped you or if you’ve experienced these symptoms yourself. I’d love to hear from you.Don’t forget to like and subscribe to get future episodes of Legs Like Mine: The Podcast.🔗 For more resources, visit: www.LegsLikeMine.comCheck out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQ

🎧 Welcome to Legs Like Mine: The Podcast — where we explore lipedema from a patient’s perspective, break down the latest research, and share real-life experiences of living with this often misunderstood condition.In this episode, Susan O’Hara—lipedema patient, author, and advocate—dives into a powerful new study published on April 11, 2025 in BMC Women's Health. The study, based on the experiences of 245 women with lipedema in Sweden, reveals the long delays in diagnosis, low satisfaction with healthcare, and the deep emotional and physical toll of being dismissed and misunderstood by medical professionals.🔬 What you’ll hear in this episode:The four major themes women shared about their healthcare experiencesWhich self-care and treatment strategies women found most effectiveWhy healthcare systems continue to fall short for lipedema patientsThe urgent need for better education, clinical guidelines, and supportIf you’ve ever felt unheard, misdiagnosed, or left to manage your lipedema on your own—you’re not alone. This episode sheds light on the truth behind those struggles and encourages all of us to keep pushing for change.📄 Study Discussed:“Dealing with lipoedema: women’s experiences of healthcare, self-care, and treatments—a mixed-methods study” (Falck et al., 2025)https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-025-03707-1✨ Be sure to subscribe for future episodes where Susan reads and discusses lipedema research and blogs from her site, LegsLikeMine.com.💬 Leave a comment if this episode resonated with you—or share your own experience navigating care with lipedema.Check out the blog on www.LegsLikeMine.comIf you like our content, please consider donating a few dollars to say Hey Thanks for Making this: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MQNCDP9HAK5WQCopyright 2025. Legs Like Mine is a registered trademark.