Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Lipoedema

Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit) (19:08): (1094) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health. The action I seek is for the minister to visit the Kororoit electorate to engage with local women about what the government is doing to improve women’s health in Victoria, particularly in relation to lipoedema. Recently two wonderful local women, Ruth and Roslyn, visited me to share their personal experiences about living with lipoedema, a chronic and progressive condition that is vastly under-recognised. I truly want to thank Ruth and Ros for the time that they afforded me to educate me about lipoedema.

Lipoedema is a disorder of fat metabolism that predominantly affects women and leads to disproportionate fat accumulation, pain and mobility challenges. Despite its significant impact on quality of life, it remains poorly understood by many health professionals, leaving those affected struggling to access appropriate care. Ruth and Roslyn spoke passionately about the difficulties that they face in finding general practitioners who are knowledgeable about lipoedema and can provide appropriate medical advice and treatment pathways. Many women experience years of misdiagnosis or are simply told that weight loss is the only solution, despite evidence that lipoedema is not a condition that responds to diet and exercise alone. This lack of awareness among healthcare providers is a barrier to timely and effective management of this condition, exacerbating the physical and emotional toll on those living with lipoedema.

Another major concern raised by both Ruth and Ros is the financial burden of compression garments, which are a critical part of managing lipoedema by improving circulation and reducing pain and swelling. In New South Wales there is fairer access to government-funded support for compression garments, yet Victorian women face significant out-of-pocket costs. These garments are not a luxury; they are a medical necessity, and the inequity in access between states is something that must be addressed. Women’s health has long been an area where conditions affecting predominantly the female population are underfunded, undertreated and under-researched. Lipoedema is yet another example of a condition that deserves greater attention and policy action. Addressing the gaps in healthcare provider education, improving access to specialists and ensuring financial support for necessary medical garments would make a tangible difference in the lives of women who are affected by this condition.

I have spoken to our very passionate health minister about lipoedema, and I thank her for her true commitment to women’s health. She truly does care. I therefore ask the Minister for Health to visit Kororoit to hear firsthand from women like the wonderful Ruth and Roslyn who can speak to the real challenges that they face in accessing care and support. By taking the time to listen, the minister will have the opportunity to ensure that women’s health, particularly conditions like lipoedema, receive the attention and investment that it deserves. I look forward to the minister’s response and action on this important and serious issue.