The Disease They Call FAT (2015)

There are an estimated 17 million women in the USA that have the fat disorder lipedema and don't know it, and many more globally. Filmmaker and patient Catherine Seo brings us on a journey of discovery, as she explores this misunderstood and commonly misdiagnosed disease. When her own lipedema diagnosis was overlooked, Catherine's seemingly inexplicable weight gain during perimenopause led to complications, several surgeries, and eventually to incapacitating pain and threatened mobility. Catherine knew there was more to what was happening than just regular "FAT". Her surgeon could not explain the worsening symptoms, and simply attributed it to her weight. When he would not investigate other possible explanations, she knew that if there was an answer, she was going to have to be the one to find it. During her inquiry and research, Catherine traveled across the US and to Europe and the UK, looking for the answers to her many questions, interviewing experts and patients as she went along. She began to understand why many patients never receive the care and help they need, regardless of their tremendous efforts to achieve wellness. She heard many stories about the prevalence of Anti-Fat bias in healthcare and also of the innovation of a handful of doctors in treating this disease. As the pieces came together, a bigger story emerged. The documentary, The Disease They Call FAT, is that story. Produced by Lipedema Simplified Productions in partnership with Mark L. Smith, MD, FACS, Director of the Friedman Center for Lymphedema Research & Treatment.