The Lipoedema Podcast

Ep. 115 ~ Amy Roberts ~ The intersection between diet and lipoedema

The Lipoedema Podcast

Show Notes

In this episode of the Lipoedema Podcast, hosts Shell and Tiana engage with PhD candidate Amy Roberts to discuss her research on eating attitudes and behaviours in women with lipoedema. The conversation highlights the significant gaps in understanding the psychosocial impacts of lipoedema, particularly regarding dietary quality and the stigma surrounding eating behaviours. Amy shares her personal journey, the importance of compassion in treatment, and the need for more research in this area. The discussion also touches on the role of community support and advocacy for women with lipoedema, emphasising the importance of individual experiences and the need for tailored treatment approaches. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lipoedema Research 02:52 Exploring Eating Attitudes and Behaviours 06:07 The Impact of Diet Culture 09:04 Understanding Eating Attitudes 12:02 Research Methodology and Participant Engagement 14:48 The Role of Compassion in Treatment 18:10 The Gut-Brain Axis and Dietary Quality 20:54 The Importance of Individual Experiences 23:50 Future Research Directions 26:57 Community Support and Advocacy 29:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Today’s episode is powered by @birdsnestonline https://www.birdsnest.com.au/ an Australian women’s fashion retailer with a mission to inspire confidence in women, one outfit at a time. From now until 30 June 20206, listeners of The Lipoedema Podcast can receive $10 off orders over $70 by entering the code ‘TLPOD” at checkout. Hosts on Instagram Shelley ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shell_peers Tiana ⁠https://www.instagram.com/me_and_my_lipoedema⁠ The Lipoedema Podcast Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_lipoedema_podcast/⁠ Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/thelipoedemapodcast⁠ YouTube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thelipoedemapodcast⁠ Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/⁠thelipoedemapodcast

More from The Lipoedema Podcast

Oct 21, 2026

In this episode, Tiana and Shelley discuss mental health, the impact of antidepressants, and strategies for well-being, emphasising the importance of understanding mental health beyond labels and exploring personal experiences with medication.

Oct 14, 2026

Jill on recognising lipedema, getting diagnosed, and finding a routine that works Shelley speaks with Jill about her lipedema journey, from noticing unusual leg size at 12 or 13 to finally getting diagnosed in October 2024. They focus on the practical side of living with lipedema, including pain, swelling, food choices, movement, and the mindset shift that comes with understanding your body better. Jill also shares the tools and routines that help her most, including structured meals, carb cycling, pool work, and simple lymphatic support strategies. The episode is especially useful for anyone looking for realistic, non-extreme ways to manage symptoms day to day. Jill first noticed differences around puberty, especially bigger thighs and legs compared with her friends

Oct 7, 2026

Dr Jen Sanderson joins Shelley and Tiana to explain what compression pumps are, how they work, and who can benefit. The conversation focuses on using pumps for lipoedema, lymphedema, post-operative recovery, and sports recovery, with practical guidance on pressure settings, safety, and when to seek professional support. In this episode, Jen also shares why hydration, breathing, and the right sleeve coverage matter just as much as the pump itself. This discussion is especially useful for anyone deciding whether a pump is worth it, how often to use it, and how to make sure it fits their symptoms and treatment plan. 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest 01:18 - What a compression pump is 02:06 - Why people use compression pumps 04:08 - Graduated compression and how pump cycles work 05:37 - Why therapist guidance matters 08:31 - Medical pumps versus sports recovery devices 10:08 - How lipedema and sports recovery differ in pump use 12:13 - Body areas that can be treated 12:59 - Why half the body is usually enough at once 15:26 - Why fluid can shift to the upper body 16:57 - Deep breathing to help clear the thoracic duct 19:04 - Daily use versus a few times per week 23:31 - How to tell if the settings need adjusting 25:14 - Why pressure must be individualised 28:28 - Compression pumps before and after surgery 32:44 - Pregnancy precautions and pressure changes 34:46 - Conditions and situations where pumps may not be safe 37:08 - Long-term use and reducing recurrent cellulitis 39:39 - Where to try a pump 40:47 - How the rent-to-buy scheme works 43:38 - How to contact Medirent for questions 45:17 - Closing thoughts on individualised care Learn more about Medi-Rent via their website https://medirent.com.au/ Hosts on Instagram Shelley ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chai_latte_2go Tiana ⁠https://www.instagram.com/me_and_my_lipoedema⁠ The Lipoedema Podcast Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_lipoedema_podcast/⁠ Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/thelipoedemapodcast⁠ YouTube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thelipoedemapodcast⁠ Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/⁠thelipoedemapodcast

Sep 30, 2026

In this episode, Charlotte Wolfenden shares her personal journey with lipoedema, her insights on navigating the healthcare system, and the importance of self-advocacy and tailored treatment options for women with lipedema. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Charlotte Wolfenden and her journey with lipedema

Sep 23, 2026

In this episode, Shell and Tiana explore the complex relationship between lipoedema, connective tissue disorders, and overall health. They discuss the latest research, personal experiences, and practical tips for managing these conditions holistically. Chapters 00.00 — Introduction to Connective Tissue and Lipedema

See all episodes →