Effect of ketosis on pain and quality of life in women with lipedema.

Abstract

Background: Lipedema is an adipose tissue condition in females characterized by immobility, pain, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Recent publications indicate that ketogenic diets may induce symptom relief in women with lipedema. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a low-energy ketogenic diet on pain and QoL in women with lipedema, compared to a low-energy non-ketogenic diet.

Methods: Adult females with lipedema and obesity were randomized to either a low-energy ketogenic diet (keto) or a low-energy non-ketogenic diet (control) for eight weeks. Pain was measured by Brief Pain Inventory, QoL by RAND-36, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-lite, and Lymphoedema Quality of Life, at baseline and week 9.

Results: 29 women with lipedema (age: 47 ± 11.2 years, body mass index 38.2 ± 5.5 kg/m2) were recruited to the study. The keto group achieved significant larger weight loss compared to the control group (-9.5 ± 1.4% vs. -7.1 ± 2.9%, p = 0.017, respectively). In the keto group only, there was a significant reduction in strongest pain (-2.0 ± 2.7, p = 0.020) and average pain (-1.8 ± 2.1, p = 0.016). Pain relief was not associated with weight loss in the keto group (r = -0.082, p = 0.801). Both the keto- and control-group improved total QoL (11.6 ± 6.3, p = 0.002 vs. 6.8 ± 10.4, p = 0.046, respectively), physical function (7.2 ± 5.7, p = 0.001 vs. 11.6 ± 18.5, p = 0.045), and energy (16.4 ± 20.5, p = 0.024 vs. 8.8 ± 8.6, p = 0.005). The keto group only, improved self-esteem (9.8 ± 13.3, p = 0.026).

Conclusion: In this randomized controlled trial, a low-energy ketogenic diet induced pain relief and improved QoL. Larger clinical trials and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results and to explore underlying biological mechanisms.