Living with Lipoedema: Why I’m Speaking Up

I’ve gone back and forth about writing this post. Putting yourself out there isn’t always easy, especially when it’s about something personal and often misunderstood. But today, I’m choosing to speak up. Because awareness matters, and if sharing my experience can help even one person feel seen or understood, then it’s worth it.

Lipoedema is a condition that affects around 370 million women worldwide. And yet—most people still haven’t heard of it.

It’s an abnormal build-up of fat cells, most commonly in the thighs, hips, buttocks, and legs, although it can also affect the arms. It isn’t the kind of fat that goes away with diet and exercise. It causes swelling, pain, bruising, fatigue, and even emotional strain. Over time, it can make everyday activities like walking or exercising a challenge. Some people, in the later stages of the condition, even lose mobility entirely.

Lipoedema typically develops during major hormonal shifts—like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause—and though we don’t yet know exactly what causes it, genetics seem to play a big role. Currently, there’s no known cure.

I have Lipoedema.

It’s one of the reasons I became a Personal Trainer and Massage Therapist. I wanted to learn more about how our bodies work and how to live a life with less pain and more purpose. While I don’t experience every symptom, the ones I do have impact me daily. My knees and hips ache. I bruise incredibly easily. My legs and arms carry excess fat that no diet or workout can shift. By the evening, I sometimes struggle to stay on my feet. I also deal with mood swings and moments of frustration with my appearance. And that’s just what I know—there may be more going on beneath the surface.

I’m not sharing this for sympathy. I’m sharing this to break the silence and challenge the assumptions.

Being in the fitness industry doesn’t mean I have the “ideal” body. It doesn’t mean I’m immune to judgment or insecurity. In fact, I’ve had more than my share of comments:

“You have big legs.”
“You don’t look like a PT.”
“Wait, you’re a PT?”

Those words stung. I won’t lie. They made me question myself more times than I care to admit. Even writing them now brings up some emotion. But over time, I’ve learned to turn that pain into purpose. Those comments became my fuel—not just to prove them wrong, but to support others who feel unseen or unheard in their own bodies.

If you’re reading this and resonating with any part of it—know that you’re not alone. There is strength in your story, too.

Despite the challenges, I am grateful. Grateful for the body I do have, for what it allows me to do. Grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained, and the clients I get to help every day. And grateful for the chance to be a voice for something that matters.

So here I am. Just a real woman, a mum, a PT, a business owner, and someone who is still figuring things out like the rest of us. But I’ll keep showing up. And I’ll keep speaking up.

Because Lipoedema deserves awareness. And women living with it deserve understanding, support, and compassion.

Thanks for reading.

Danni xx
P.S. If you want to learn more about Lipoedema, or you think you might have it yourself, please don’t be afraid to reach out. I’m always happy to chat.