Are all primary lymphodema sufferers overweight and has the condition improved through weight loss?

[walk]

I have primary lymphodema in one lower leg. That leg always swelled more on flights and took longer to go down, so it has been coming on over a number of years. I am overweight, though not seriously, and find weight loss difficult as I am hypothyroid. Are all lymphodema sufferers overweight and has the condition improved through weight loss?

[Chris21]

Hi walk, as a child the GP would say i was over weight and eating too many sweets and cakes. my mum would get upset saying that i wasn't, i ate no different to my sister who was a skinny bean. all through my teens i struggled with my weight, in my twenties i joined weightwatchers helped a bit but its always been. a struggle. i didnt get diagnosed with lymphodema until i was in my twenties, now in my sixties! I've learnt that as the day goes on fluid accumalates and im roughly 4lb heavier in the evening than first thing in the morning, so guess when i weigh myself 😂

ive been in the obese class twice that i can remember, most of the time i sit in the overweight BMI. ive accepted a long time ago that i was never going to be skinny and just keep a check that I exercise and eat well with occasional cake or chocolate.

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Many people with primary lymphoedema are not overweight and there is good evidence that losing even small amounts of weight can have a really positive effect on your swelling.

[CCT67]

No, not all Primary LE suffers overweight!

Yes, weight loss improves symptoms!

[Kelmisty]

I’m not overweight, but I eat sensible, count calories and exercise circa 45 mins a day.

And yes my lymphoedema is much better when I exercise regularly and eat healthier.