Ahrensburg: Lipedema patient talks about the disease, hurtful comments and treatment
Ahrensburg. "You're fat" – Lara Sophie Kuprat has heard these words many times. The size of her arms and legs makes her a regular target for insults. Such words never become a habit. It hurts her every time strangers comment on her body, even though she tries not to take such remarks to heart.
The 24-year-old from Ahrensburg has long known that she is overweight. She doesn't need strangers to point this out to her. Nevertheless, she would like to explain to these people that there are many reasons for being overweight – and that hers is a chronic condition. Because these people don't know that she has been diagnosed with stage 2 lipedema.
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by uneven fat distribution in the body. Those affected are almost exclusively women, who suffer from excessive accumulation of subcutaneous fat and water retention, especially in the arms and legs. The skin has an uneven texture, with small nodules visible underneath.
The affected areas of her body are painful, swollen, and feel heavy or tired. Kuprat compares her pain to sore muscles. Even everyday movements like blow-drying her hair are difficult. "I often have to take breaks because my arms feel incredibly heavy from the very first second," says the 24-year-old. Sometimes the pain is so severe that only tablets help. In addition, the skin is sensitive, and even minor bumps cause massive bruises. Circulation is also disrupted, which is why those affected often complain of cold arms and legs.
This chronic condition can cause numerous comorbidities, such as obesity. In addition to physical discomfort, lipedema can also be a psychological burden. Those affected feel uncomfortable with their appearance and unusual proportions. In addition, the pain makes everyday life difficult, which can also be mentally stressful. Kuprat is also undergoing therapy for a resulting anxiety disorder and mild depression.
This disease is divided into three stages: The more advanced the disease, the more fat accumulates. For some sufferers, the intensity of their symptoms also increases. The disease is usually triggered by hormonal changes—for example, after puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Kuprat has now received an official diagnosis. However, the path to getting there wasn't easy. She has been experiencing the classic symptoms of lipedema since puberty. For a long time, she thought she was simply a little overweight.
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By chance, she finally found an influencer on social media who educates people about lipedema. Kuprat identified with the symptoms described and began more intensive research. About two years ago, she received the official diagnosis at a private lipedema clinic in Hamburg. The 24-year-old still vividly remembers the relief of finally having an explanation for all her symptoms.
But she quickly became disillusioned, as treatment options are limited. The 24-year-old now eats a vegan diet and regularly goes swimming and to the gym. However, exercise and a healthy diet alone only help those affected to a limited extent. Manual lymphatic drainage or compression tights provide relief. The most effective, however, is liposuction – a surgery costing around €25,000 to remove the excess tissue. In some cases, health insurance covers the cost of the operation for those affected in stage three.
Kuprat's treatment costs aren't covered. "It's really infuriating," she says. She can't afford the operation on her own. She's studying and wants to become a teacher, and she also works as a student trainee at an animal welfare organization. Saving 25,000 euros seems unimaginable at this point.
Nevertheless, she started it and launched an appeal on the Gofundme platform . There, she describes her medical condition and hopes for donations for her liposuction. This way, she hopes to protect herself from complications such as joint pain caused by excess weight and also start her dream job as a teacher with a healthy, pain-free body.
The 24-year-old knows she's still at the beginning of her journey and that her diagnosis will stay with her for a long time. She hopes that lipedema research and awareness of the disease will improve and wants to encourage those affected: "You shouldn't give up and should fight for your diagnosis and treatment."
This article first appeared in the “ Lübecker Nachrichten ” – partner in the Editorial Network Germany.
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