If this list made you pause… trust that. Bruising easily, painful fat, pebble-like nodules, swelling, heaviness after light activity, boots not fitting — these are not normal weight-loss struggles. For many women, this is lipedema — a connective tissue disease that’s often dismissed as “just fat” or “inflammation.” You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. And it’s not in your head. There are ways to reduce pain, swelling, and progression once you understand what’s actually happening in the body. 💛 I