It's estimated that 10 million Americans have lymphedema, yet it remains, under diagnosed and under treated despite a significant impact on quality of life. Dietitians can play a unique role as part of the multidisciplinary team, especially dietitians that work in oncology, rehab medicine and bariatrics. This presentation reviews the current state of the evidence on nutrition strategies to benefit lymphedema risk and treatment. A second condition that is under recognized and under treated is lipedema - estimated to affect as many as 10% of women.

It is a connective tissue disorder causing a disproportionate increase body fat usually in the hips and thighs. It is often mistaken for cellulite or obesity. The women who have this condition can go decades without a diagnosis and develop eating disorders and mental health consequences as a result. In this lecture, Jean LaMantia RD, will introduce key identifying features of lymphedema and lipedema and differentiate those from obesity/large body. She will then review the nutrition literature and evidence-informed guidance to help support individuals with these conditions.