An observational study in Lipedema, sponsored by Gazi University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-23.
Sponsored by Gazi University · Observational
This study will be conducted with women diagnosed with lipedema who were referred to the Lymphedema Rehabilitation Unit of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department at Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences for physiotherapy recommendations, and with healthy controls with similar characteristics. Demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals meeting the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study will be recorded. Based on patient statements, factors limiting physical activity due to lipedema, and experiences during and after exercise will be recorded. Additionally, individuals' exercise behavior will be assessed using the Stages of Exercise Behavior Change Questionnaire, their physical activity level using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and their physical activity barriers using the Self-Perceived Barriers for Physical Activity Questionnaire Data obtained from patient statements, scales, and questionnaires will be compared.
85 studies on the registry are indexed under Lipedema; 32 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 119 is above the median of 90 across 42 observational studies indexed under Lipedema.
Browse Lipedema studies →Gazi University is the lead sponsor of 551 studies on the registry; 102 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Women living in Ankara, Türkiye, who have been diagnosed with lipedema
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
BMI (body mass index)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Women with lipedema diagnosis
Healthy women
Physical Activity Level
Physical activity will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). This questionnaire is a seven-item self-report scale that assesses physical activity level over the past seven days. It includes seven questions evaluating the time individuals spend walking, moderate-intensity, vigorous activity, and sitting. A score is obtained as "MET-minutes/week" by multiplying the minutes, days, and MET value (multiples of resting oxygen consumption). The total score is calculated by summing the scores obtained from walking, moderate-intensity activity, and vigorous activity. Based on the total physical activity score, individuals' physical activity levels can be categorized as "very active, minimally active, and inactive." The Turkish version of the IPAQ-SF has been reported to be valid and reliable.
Time frame: Baseline
Physical Activity Barriers
Physical activity barriers will be assessed using the Self-Perceived Barriers for Physical Activity Questionnaire. This scale is a 17-item self-report scale that evaluates perceived barriers to participation in physical activity across four subscales: Body Image and Psychosocial Anxiety (5 items); Fatigue (3 items); Obligations and Lack of Time (3 items); and Environment and Availability (4 items). Scoring is done using a Likert scale ranging from 0 to 10 (0: Less - 10: More). Each subscale score is calculated by summing the scores of each item in the subscale and dividing the total score by the number of items. Higher scores indicate higher levels of barriers.
Time frame: Baseline
Exercise Behavior Status
Exercise behavior will be assessed using the Stages of Exercise Behavior Change Questionnaire. This scale consists of 5 questions. Participants will be asked to choose one of 5 situations that correspond to their current exercise level, and the change stage is determined accordingly. The individual in the precontemplation stage has never considered starting to perform exercise and does not intend to do so in the next 6 months. The individual in the contemplation stage is not actively trying to start, but only intends to start in the next 6 months. The individual in the preparation stage intends to start exercising regularly within the next 30 days. The individual in the action stage begins to change their starting behavior within a short period of time (has been exercising for less than 6 months). The individual in the maintenance stage continues to maintain the change from the action stage, has been exercising for more than 6 months, and is determined not to revert to their old habit
Time frame: baseline
Physical Activity and Exercise-Related Experiences and Barriers Related to Lipedema
Women participating in the study will be asked about factors limiting physical activity related to lipedema, and their experiences during and after exercise or physical activity, and their personal statements will be recorded.
Time frame: baseline
Ran from Dec 2025 to primary completion in Mar 2026, 3 months.
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This study is completed, as verified in Apr 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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