Lipoedema is still widely misunderstood, under-recognised, and too often dismissed as “just weight.” In this episode of The Bari Chronicles, we’re joined by Nadia Walton, physiotherapist and lymphoedema practitioner from Laneways Physiotherapy & Lymphoedema, to unpack what lipoedema actually is — and what it isn’t.

We explore why lipoedema is an inflammatory connective tissue condition, why it is resistant to traditional weight-loss approaches, and why so many people spend years blaming themselves before receiving a provisional diagnosis. Nadia explains common symptoms including pain, bruising, heaviness, and disproportionate fat distribution, and why bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications don’t always produce the outcomes people expect.

This conversation also tackles the emotional reality of lipoedema — fear in younger patients, relief in those diagnosed later in life, and the psychological toll of chasing “fixes” that don’t work. We discuss conservative management, compression, movement, inflammation-aware nutrition, and why sustainable, long-term care matters far more than extreme or expensive interventions.

If you’ve ever felt unheard, blamed, or confused about why your body doesn’t respond the way it “should,” this episode offers clarity, compassion, and realistic guidance.

🎧 A must-listen for patients, clinicians, and anyone working in obesity, chronic pain, or women’s health.