Free, Fit & Fabulous

06/20/2026

Kaboom!

05/21/2026

Lipedema has four stages and in Stage 1 and 2 you may not realize that you’re dealing with an actual disease!

As the medical science community focuses on a disease, new information changes everything. Canada has not recognized lipedema at this time but it’s coming.

Here’s a synopsis of what has been recently discovered in research.

Recent scientific research looking inside lipedema fat (adipose) tissue reveals it is fundamentally different from typical obesity. Unlike normal fat, lipedema adipocytes (fat cells) are physically enlarged (hypertrophic), surrounded by dense, hardened scar-like tissue (fibrosis), and display distinct metabolic and hormonal characteristics.Studies analyzing the cellular and molecular makeup of lipedema fat have uncovered several specific traits:1. Cellular Hypertrophy and Calcium DepositsMicroscopic examinations, including electron microscopy, have revealed that lipedema adipocytes are noticeably larger than fat cells seen in standard obesity or lean individuals. Furthermore, researchers have found that the cytoplasm of these fat cells often contains massive deposits of calcium crystals, which contributes to the characteristic nodular, "pebbly" texture felt under the skin.

A Unique Inflammatory ProfileWhile traditional obesity is characterized by a pro-inflammatory state (often where macrophages cluster around dying fat cells in "crown-like structures"), lipedema fat is remarkably different. Research shows that lipedema fat features an accumulation of anti-inflammatory (M2-like) macrophages. This suggests that the condition acts more like chronic, low-grade tissue remodeling rather than typical inflammatory fat cell death.

Vascular and Lymphatic Dysfunction studies have found that the microenvironment inside lipedema adipose tissue is hostile due to vascular alterations. The capillaries and blood vessels in affected areas often feature thickened, irregular walls and a decrease in the proteins (like VE-cadherin) that keep the endothelial barrier sealed. This leakiness leads to the easy bruising, excessive fluid retention (interstitial fluid), and the heavy feeling typical of the disease.

Hormonal Alterations because lipedema primarily affects women and often worsens during hormonal milestones like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, researchers have looked directly at how lipedema fat cells process hormones. Molecular analyses have revealed an imbalance in estrogen receptors and an upregulation of the CYP19A1 gene—the enzyme responsible for converting androgens into estrogen. This indicates that lipedema fat is actively engaged in intracrine estrogen production and hormonal dysfunction.

Multi-Omics and Metabolic Differences recent multi-omics research points to disturbed lipid and energy metabolism inside lipedema tissues. Scientists have observed upregulations in factors related to cellular respiration and mitochondrial organization, along with abnormal circulating amino acid and sphingolipid profiles. Despite carrying a higher BMI, individuals with lipedema often demonstrate better baseline insulin sensitivity and a more favorable metabolic profile than those with lifestyle-induced obesity.You can read more about ongoing clinical studies and cellular research in the Lipedema Foundation Research Pipeline. For a deeper dive into cellular and molecular histology, explore the peer-reviewed Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology review or the PubMed Adipose Tissue Biology Study

05/12/2026

Over the years I have been seeking answers to the issues that plagued my health and affected my overall happiness. I've been diagnosed with CPTSD, Fibromyalgia, Non-alcoholic Steato Hepatitis and Lipedema. All of which are inter-related comorbidities that can best be described as the chicken or the egg situation...

Stress and trauma cause, high cortosol levels which if experienced for prolonged periods affects your physical body. Cortisol isn’t just a “stress hormone.” It changes how your body handles fat, inflammation, and fluids.

When you’re under stress — especially chronic or trauma‑related stress — the brain moves into sympathetic dominance.

This means:

The amygdala becomes hyperactive (threat detection on high alert)

The prefrontal cortex becomes less active (reduced regulation, planning, calm reasoning)

The hippocampus shrinks in activity (memory, emotional context, safety cues)

This matters because the sympathetic system slows lymphatic flow, increases inflammation, and heightens pain sensitivity and seriously contributes to autoimmune issues.

So no matter what the diagnosis, fibro, lipi, NASH - stress is a killer.

So here I am at 62 retired, early - and working on the whole care plan situation so that I can enjoy the rest of my life.

I have a new tool. It is an app I created to help me with my ADHD squirrel issue to provide some relief in what has felt like a loosing, loser, you will never get better situation. It is a way to track my symptoms, compression, MLD therapy, and nutrition in a quiet refuge built specifically for women and it provides me with reports on progress that are designed to help my doctor and I.

https://lipedema-care-hub.replit.app/landing/

I am using some other tools like peptides for inflammation, gut health and fatigue management. I take creatine daily, milk thistle, omega 3s, iron 2x a week, and Provitalize.

You know me! Trying everything.

03/02/2026

Learning to honor myself and my healing has been such a profound experience. Working through one diagnosis after another and trying to come to terms with what I have to do in order to be “able” has been so hard. Having said that, giving up is not an option for me. So, I am writing my affirmations, clarifying my why, and developing a comprehensive care plan that will enable the second half of my recovery.

09/02/2025

This is truth!

Because independence is the best glow-up.

Much love,
Ashley

08/29/2025

This is the goal. Eliminate the mental constructs and build habits that work for you. Yes it’s important to know what that is but by using an elimination diet, common sense and possibly consulting a health professional you should be able to do this. Healthy people’s body are different from those of us dealing with chronic illness and we have a different struggle. Never give up! Research, be kind to yourself and try everything until you find what works for you.

08/19/2025

This is a much watch! There are so many steps in the processed food industry we don’t even know to be worried about! It’s not just rotten Ronny either!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNUjThdNAl2/?igsh=MWVpNnkzcXg3bXg4Zg==

08/11/2025

These machines are great for inflammation, they also tone muscle and help with circulation. 10 minutes a day has been super helpful for me. I do it after yoga in the morning and I do a light arm workout while on the vibration machine for 5 minutes and then I “dance” and throw hands (waving arms, hugging etc) for another 5 minutes! This somatic movement releases pent up stress too.

08/10/2025

This is an informative piece on lipedema. It has been approved for coverage under the public health care system in Germany and recently was brought to the attention of the Canadian health minister for coverage. Slowly but surely we are beginning to see change.

08/04/2025