Dietary Inflammatory Index and Mediterranean Diet Score are associated with systemic inflammation in women with...

Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate fat accumulation, pain, and low-grade systemic inflammation, primarily affecting women. This study investigated the relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), adherence to the Mediterranean diet scores (MDS), inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α and IL-6), and clinical outcomes in women with lipedema.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 female participants with stage 2-3 lipedema and BMI between 30-40 kg/m². Using three-day dietary records, DII was calculated. MDS was measured by Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screening Tool. Pain and quality of life were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Short Form-12 (SF-12), respectively. Body composition was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured using ELISA.

DII score was positively associated with elevated TNF-α and IL-6 concentration (p < 0.001). DII was moderately and positively correlated with both inflammatory markers, while MDS showed moderate negative correlations. Multiple linear regression models identified DII, MDS, and body mass index (BMI) as significant predictors of TNF-α and IL-6 concentration. No significant associations were observed between DII or MDS and pain (VAS) or quality of life (SF-12) scores, although mental component scores were slightly higher in participants with moderate DII levels compared to those with higher DII levels. Higher DII and BMI were linked to increased inflammation, while higher MDS was associated with lower biomarker levels. Age and disease duration were not significant in any model.

A pro-inflammatory diet, as reflected by higher DII, is associated with increased systemic inflammation in lipedema. These findings highlight the potential role of anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean diet, as part of non-pharmacological strategies for managing inflammation in lipedema. These findings suggest that while dietary inflammatory potential influences systemic inflammation, its relationship with pain and quality of life remains unclear and warrants further interventional studies.