Stay up to date with the latest compression therapy research findings, measuring tips, product advances, and upcoming events.

March marked Awareness Month for both obesity and lymphoedema. And they have more in common than just the calendar. Obesity can increase the risk of developing lymphoedema, yet this connection remains underestimated and underrepresented in the literature. With obesity on the rise globally, the number of patients presenting with lymphoedema is set to follow

Numbers we can't ignore.

At the Foeldi Clinic, The European Center of Lymphology, the patient profile has changed significantly between 2013 and 2023*:

• In 2023, 71% of patients treated had obesity and 38% were morbidly obese (BMI 40+).
• Severe obesity has increased exponentially.

Meanwhile, new Canadian data confirms what many clinics are starting to see that obesity Class II and III are now the leading causes or aggravators of lymphoedema, occurring nearly twice as often as cancer-related cases.**

^{* Foeldi Clinic, data on file, 2023} 

^{** Keast D et al. The prevalence of lymphedema in Canada: an update. Pathways. 2025;14(1)}

The Interplay: Obesity, Lymphoedema and Lipoedema-syndrome - From Challenge to Action 

At ILF 2025, our international expert panel — Dr. Tobias Bertsch, Dr. Anna Towers, and Cuenter Klose — explored the interplay between obesity, lymphoedema, and lipoedema-syndrome, and how it impacts diagnosis and treatment in real-world practice. A must-watch for Healthcare Professionals who want to better support patients facing more than one diagnosis.

In the S.T.R.I.D.E. compression-selection framework, R represents Refill and refers to how quickly and when oedema returns after compression is removed. 

What does “Refill” Measure? 

“Refill” captures the dynamic behaviour of oedema, helping clinicians determine: 

• Whether the limb refills during the day, overnight, or both 
• How quickly the swelling returns after removing compression 
• The level of containment required in the compression garment 

These observations directly influence the type, stiffness, and timing of compression therapy. 

Two Refill Categories 

• Oedema returns gradually, over ≥24 hours. 
• Usually requires daytime compression only. 
• Elastic or moderately stiff garments are typically sufficient. 

• Oedema returns quickly, often within 8 hours. 
• Swelling may exceed garment size without strong containment. 
• Requires: 
  • Day + night compression 
  • Stiffer or adjustable wraps 
  • Sometimes layering for higher containment 

• Whether night compression is needed 
• How much containment is required (light, regular, firm) 
• Garment category selection, e.g. 
  • Circular knit vs stiffer circular knit 
  • Flat knit 
  • Adjustable wraps 
  • Night garments 
• Adherence planning, especially for rapid‑refill cases that need strict compression consistency

This year marked the inaugural Wounds Australia Beat the Swell event, proudly supported by Essity. Hundreds of clinicians gathered on the 19th February all across Australia to shine a spotlight on lower limb swelling, gaining practical insights into early detection and best practice management. 

Wounds Australia CEO Jeff Antcliff says “The data is limited and the condition remains unreported. We believe it’s over 1.6m Australians affected, & mainly older Australians. Swelling in legs is not normal & it’s never something to ignore. We see too many Australians wait until swelling becomes a wound & by then it’s much harder to heal. The good news is, early action works. Early assessment & the right treatment, including compression, can prevent wounds before they start.” 

Essity amplified the initiative through Watch Parties in major cities, offering exclusive access to expert presentations and a dedicated webinar from Dr Elizabeth Webb—broadening the reach of this important education. 

With strong attendance and enthusiastic clinician feedback, Beat the Swell is rapidly becoming a cornerstone event for raising awareness, strengthening clinical capability, and improving outcomes for Australians living with chronic oedema. 

Continue the conversation on Thursday 23rd April, when guest speaker Stacey Bradshaw presents the next Essity webinar Beyond the Swell: Wandering into Wounds.

• Webinar Beyond the Swelling: Wandering into Wounds - Thursday 23rd April 6.30pm - Register here
• ALA Conference - join the entire Essity Clinical Specialist Team from the 1st - 3rd May in Cairns for this year's ALA Conference