To the Editor:

While I have never seen the young lady who signed her letter Maria [in the May 30 Dear Stavroula column], from her description of her pattern of weight gain, it seems entirely possible that she suffers from lipedema, a serious and all too common adipose tissue disease found is some degree among as many as 11% of women. While in its early stages lipedema is a cosmetic problem, as it progresses it results in pain and inability to walk normally. So … instead of summarily dismissing Maria’s concerns with unfounded attacks on her mental clarity, the young lady should be advised to do a little internet research on her own and if she thinks that her condition matches what she finds, to consult a doctor who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating lipedema. It should be noted that most doctors in the U.S. are now aware of this disease and most of the research has been done in Germany and the Netherlands. I hope that this has been helpful and wish Maria all success in getting to the bottom of her problem. 

Susan Wind

New York, NY