This is going to sound like a joke, but it’s not: Love Island *literally* changed my life. I’m nervous as hell to share this, but this Summer I was diagnosed with a condition called Lipedema, thanks to Love Island UK cast member @shaughnaphillips speaking out about her own diagnosis. I haven’t quite figured out how to talk about it yet, but @womenshealthmag & @lanikaps have helped me give it a shot anyway. Lipedema is a common but very under-diagnosed disease. I’ve had it since I was 9 but only found out it had a name at 31. It’s genetic and progressive, and can lead to immobility and chronic pain when left unaddressed. I always knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. I hope this ridiculous story about me characteristically binge-watching reality TV can help someone else give their issues a name, perhaps a bit sooner than I was able to name mine. Shout out to all of my friends and family for their love and support. Thank you to Women's Health & Ilana for helping me tell my story. Thank you to Shaughna for giving my disease a name and contributing to this piece. Thank you to my nutritionist @tamarsamuels.rd / @culinahealth. Thank you to my surgeon Dr. Su at @artlipoplasticsurgery. Thanks / apologies to every single client of mine who does interviews, because WHOA they are stressful. And thanks to you all for reading. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a38553019/love-island-lipedema/