Lipoedema, a condition characterized by the disproportionate accumulation of fat in the lower body, affects an estimated one in ten women, yet remains largely misunderstood and often misdiagnosed. Chloé Richardson, who experienced a dramatic weight gain in her late teens, shared her journey from a size 10 to a size 20 in just 18 months, a transformation that baffled those around her.

The Struggle for Diagnosis

At 23 years old, Richardson's lower body had significantly increased in size, leading to shock and concern from others. She initially struggled to understand the cause of her rapid weight gain, a common experience for many with lipoedema. The condition, which is believed to have a genetic component, primarily impacts women and typically affects the legs, buttocks, and hips, while sparing the feet and hands.

The Path to Treatment

Richardson eventually learned she had lipoedema. The condition can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Doctors warned Richardson that without treatment, she could face being in a wheelchair by the age of 30. The progression of lipoedema also affected her ability to participate in activities she loved, such as playing rugby, which she had done since childhood. The pain associated with movement made her previously enjoyable sport a struggle.

Chloé has played rugby since the age of eight but as her lipoedema progressed, it became painful just walking around and she could no longer play the way she used to

To address her condition, Richardson underwent surgery, which her parents helped to fund. This was necessary as lipoedema treatment is often not covered by public health services, frequently being categorized as cosmetic rather than medically necessary. The surgery provided a significant physical and mental transformation.

Richardson says the surgery has helped her become a better rugby player.

A Call for Awareness

Richardson's experience highlights a broader issue: the lack of awareness and accessibility to treatment for lipoedema. She expressed her disbelief that so many women struggle to access life-changing treatment. The condition's prevalence suggests a need for increased medical understanding, earlier diagnosis, and improved access to effective treatments to prevent the long-term consequences for affected individuals.

Chloé's parents helped her fund life-changing surgery to fix her lipoedema, as treatment isn't available on the NHS due to it being seen as cosmetic

Doctors told Chloé that if they didn’t treat her lipoedema, she would have been in a wheelchair by the age of 30