Karen Louise Herbst
She is a board certified Endocrinologist by training and has always been interested in fat - why do daughters have fat just where their mothers do and why do men develop large abdomens and skinny arms and legs as they age. She has been an advocate for diseases involving fat that no one else took an interest in and has won a Pioneer award for her efforts. Since 2002 she has seen many people with adipose tissue disorders (ATDs) such as Dercum's disease familial multiple lipomatosis (FML) Madelung's disease and lipedema from all over the world. In 2015 she received a Humanitarian award at the Los Angles Music Awards and in 2016 received a large donation to begin the study of lipedema. While much research remains unpublished Dr. Herbst is well known for her desire to share her understanding of these disorders and provide suggestions for treatment so that patients can improve their lives.