206 - Lipedema: The Unrecognized Disorder Affecting Millions of Women

Thrive Beyond Size

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In this urgent and deeply moving episode, Michelle sits down with Emma Cloney and Diana Dimmock—two powerful advocates from Lipedema Canada—to talk about the medical condition most clinicians have never even heard of, despite its potential to affect 1 in 9 women.

Together, they dive into:

What lipedema actually is—and how it differs from lymphedema and obesity
Why lipedema is painful, progressive, and devastating when left untreated
The staggering lack of awareness in Canadian medical schools and healthcare systems
How fatphobia, gender bias, and medical gaslighting keep patients in the dark
The emotional and financial toll of living with an unrecognized condition
Practical resources for patients and clinicians
What needs to change—and how we can all be part of that change

This episode is more than just a discussion—it’s a rallying cry for justice, compassion, and recognition.

Whether you're a clinician, patient, or simply someone who cares about women's health, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

Lipedema Canada – For patient info, clinician resources, advocacy tools & support

Lipedema.org (US-based) – Diagnostic tools and educational materials

Follow @LipedemaCanada on social media for shareable awareness content

More About Our Guests:

Emma Cloney

Emma Cloney is a Women’s Health Nurse and the Vice President and co-founder of Lipedema Canada / Lipœdème Canada, the national nonprofit association for lipedema dedicated to raising awareness, improving access to care, and advancing research for people living with lipedema—a chronic and often misdiagnosed fat disorder that primarily affects women.

Emma brings over ten years of clinical experience and a deeply personal connection to this work. Diagnosed with lipedema in 2021, she became the first Canadian to receive multiple mobility-preserving surgeries for the condition funded through provincial healthcare—after successfully advocating for policy change in Manitoba. Her experience highlighted the serious gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness across Canada.

In response, Emma co-founded Lipedema Canada in 2023 alongside a group of passionate patients from across the country. Today, she leads the organization’s clinical outreach and education efforts, working to empower patients and healthcare providers alike. Whether she’s speaking to policymakers, clinicians, or fellow patients, Emma is committed to changing the narrative around lipedema and ensuring that no one faces this condition alone.

Lipedema Canada

Diana Dimmock

Diana Dimmock is the founder of Accessibility 4 Every Body Consulting, a size-inclusive consulting firm based in Sherwood Park, Alberta. As an advocate, educator, and speaker, Diana is passionate about promoting accessibility and inclusivity for people of all body sizes and abilities. Through her work, she challenges the marginalization of larger bodies and assists organizations in creating more welcoming, inclusive environments. Through her business, Diana offers valuable insights into the intersection of size, ability, and access, making her a powerful voice in the push for equity and inclusion.

Recently diagnosed with lipo-lymphedema, Diana has identified this condition as a long-standing aspect of her health since adolescence. While struggling to seek appropriate medical care and experiencing discrimination based on her body size, Diana became dedicated to ensuring that all individuals receive equitable healthcare. She is deeply committed to self-advocacy and raising awareness with the public and with healthcare professionals about lipedema in Canada. Diana is dedicated to supporting efforts in advocating for improved diagnosis and management strategies for this condition with Lipedema Canada.

https://linktr.ee/accessibility4everybody

Find Diana on LinkedIn here.

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