Compassion targets shame, stigma driving lipoedema depression
It’s a painful, chronic fat disorder that affects more than one in 10 people, and increases risk of depression, psychological distress, and eating disorders.
CQUniversity researchers have shown that addressing the mental health challenges of lipoedema is further complicated by misunderstanding of the fat distribution disorder, and stigma around increased weight.
World-first CQUniversity research has trialled a ‘compassion intervention’ for people living with lipoedema, to support improved physical and mental health.
The approach aims to combat depression and mental distress experienced by more than half of all individuals suffering from the abnormal fat buildup. Devastatingly, 8 per cent also attempt suicide.
Chantelle Clarke is a researcher and educator within the NeuroHealth Lab at CQU’s Appleton Institute, and her research assessed experiences of weight stigma across more than a thousand women living with lipoedema.
“Women with lipoedema are often initially misdiagnosed as obese, and so from the start of their healthcare journey they feel judgement and shame,” Ms Clarke explained.
“Our research found that those who experienced increased weight stigma, and who had internalised weight bias – that is, negative attitudes and beliefs about people who are perceived as ‘overweight’ – were more likely to develop depression.
“Assessing for self-criticism and shame showed the value of targeting these psychological factors through intervention.”
Ms Clarke said the Compassion-Focused Therapy trial, delivered online to Australian women, showed how increased awareness of their own beliefs and attitudes with compassion could shift mindset and wellbeing.
“We showed that with support and the online intervention, women increased their self-compassion, self-reassurance and ability to handle mental distress compared to those on a waitlist,” she said.
“While the physical burden of lipoedema can affect mental wellbeing, providing skills and therapeutic support to handle the distress of the condition can help reduce shame and self-criticism, and ultimately minimise emotional distress.”
Lipoedema is not treatable through diet, but research by CQU PhD candidate Amy Roberts has also highlighted how stigma and shame leads those suffering to also develop disordered eating.
In fact, there is no known cure for the condition, and treatments can include surgery and a range of therapies. Ms Clarke said greater understanding of the condition is needed in the healthcare community, and more broadly.
Ms Clarke is a Cairns-based PhD candidate with CQUniversity, and is presenting her findings at the Lipoedema Australia Conference across 21-25 August in Canberra.
Her research supervisor and co-author is CQU Professor Talitha Best, founder and head of the NeuroHealth Lab.
Their findings have been published in the Clinical Obesity journal.
