LEG-ACY
I’ve spent years hiding my tree trunk legs – I’m not fat I have a problem, doctors gave me bad advice for years
Scroll down to find out more on Elise's condition
A WOMAN has revealed that she spent years hiding her ‘tree trunk’ legs, but now, wants to educate people about her condition.
Elise Sasso, who is from the US, inherited a genetic disorder called Lipo-Lymphedema from her late mother.
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The condition, which is a combination of Lipedema and Lymphedema, causes an excess of fat to accumulate in different parts of the body.
Growing up, Elise didn’t realise she had the condition as her late mother was never diagnosed.
She spent years wearing baggy clothes to cover up her legs and was even given bad advice from doctors, who simply told her to exercise to lose weight.
But when she was diagnosed and eventually realised her condition was chronic, Elise created a not for profit organisation called to raise awareness about the condition.
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Speaking to , on an episode of Born Different, the content creator got candid on her condition and confirmed: “I want to be the individual who breaks down the barriers that society has put up."
Whilst Elise has now gained the confidence to show off her legs in public, it hasn’t always been this way, as she said: “I normally wear long dresses, stuff that doesn’t cling to my legs.
“Even before knowing what it was, I knew that my legs didn’t look normal and I didn’t want to have them out.
“I was always told to exercise, which I did, and I never saw the results that I wanted, particularly in the legs.”
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After going back and forth with doctors and eventually getting a diagnosis, Elise confirmed: “I’m not just fat, I have a problem.
“This was a turning point in my life that I had to accept that that is what it was going to be and this is how I was going to be spending the rest of my life.
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“There is no way I can detach these legs and put on a new pair.”
And after years of covering up, Elise finally felt able to “step out” of her comfort zone.
She continued: “I need to do this in order to show that I am levelling up and becoming more comfortable with my Lipo-Lymphedema.
Of course, who doesn’t want to have cute bikini legs? I have tree trunks but they’re mine
Elise Sasso
“At this point, I realised a lot of people didn’t know this condition even existed.
“I decided to create a platform where I would be able to share what this condition was.
“It had to be used for something that would allow me to educate people.
What is Lipo-Lymphedema?
Lipo-Lymphedema is a condition that combines two distinct disorders: Lipedema and Lymphedema.
Both conditions affect the fat tissue and lymphatic system, but they have different causes and symptoms.
When combined, they can lead to more complex symptoms and challenges for individuals.
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterised by an abnormal accumulation of fat in certain areas of the body, primarily the legs, thighs, and sometimes the arms.
It often results in a disproportionate body shape, with the fat being asymmetrically distributed.
Whilst Lymphedema refers to a condition where there is a build-up of lymph fluid in the tissues, leading to swelling.
This is due to an impaired or malfunctioning lymphatic system that can’t drain fluid properly.
When someone has both Lipedema and Lymphedema, it can result in Lipo-Lymphedema.
In this combined condition, fat accumulation (from Lipedema) occurs along with swelling (from Lymphedema), which can make it harder to treat both conditions separately.
The lymphatic system is overwhelmed by the excess fat tissue, which can worsen the swelling and lead to more discomfort or pain.
Symptoms include: swollen legs or arms, painful or tender limbs, visible fat deposits, and difficulty moving the affected body parts.
“You see somebody plus-size and figure they’re eating themselves towards an early grave, when in actuality, it’s actually something else.
“I had to learn to embrace it. I need to be able to own that I’m the lady with the legs.
“Of course, who doesn’t want to have cute bikini legs? I have tree trunks but they’re mine.”
Social media users react
YouTube users were left stunned by the Truly clip and many eagerly flocked to the comments to praise Elise for being so open about her condition.
You're still beautiful just the way you are
YouTube user
One person said: “You're very brave; Thank you for sharing your story!”
Another added: “She is so beautiful. I have Lipedema and it's nice to see someone who looks like me.”
A third commented: “You're still beautiful just the way you are.”
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Whilst someone else chimed in: “Love your confidence girl. Keep your head up woman.”
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