Doja Cat Reveals She May Have Lipedema: What Are the Signs, Symptoms?

Doja Cat recently shared that she may have lipedema, which led to her decision to have liposuction in 2023. Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA

• In a TikTok video, pop music artist Doja Cat shared that she may have lipedema, a condition that causes abnormal fat buildup in the lower body.
• The singer said the condition influenced her decision to undergo liposuction in 2023.
• Lipedema most commonly affects the hips, thighs, and legs and typically does not respond to diet or exercise.
• Experts say increased awareness from public figures can help more people recognize symptoms and seek medical care earlier.

Grammy-winning pop artist Doja Cat recently shared a video explaining that she believes she may have lipedema, a condition that causes body fat to abnormally accumulate in the lower part of the body. 

The singer opened up about the condition in a TikTok video, explaining how it contributed to her decision to have liposuction in 2023. 

In the video, Doja Cat reflected on the way fat accumulated in her lower body throughout her life, particularly around her thighs, knees, calves, and hips. 

“If you look at my knees… Like I had big ass knees, like big fat f*ing knees.” Doja said.

“Basically, I wasn’t horrendously, deeply overweight or anything. I was just building up all this ass, and ankle, and calves, and knee, and thigh. I had a whole ton of it,” she continued.

@dojacat

#lipedema #lipedemalegs I HAD NO IDEA

♬ original sound – Doja Cat

What is lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic condition that may lead to an abnormal buildup of fat tissue, mostly in the hips, thighs, and legs, explained Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor at Garage Gym Reviews.

“The fat tends to accumulate symmetrically and typically does not respond well to typical weight loss strategies such as diet or exercise,” Dasgupta told Healthline.

People with lipedema may also experience tenderness, easy bruising, and swelling in the affected areas. 

“Over time, the condition can lead to discomfort, mobility issues, and in some cases, problems with the lymphatic system,” Dasgupta said.

“Although lipedema is not primarily caused by lymphatic issues, the accumulation of abnormal fat can place pressure on the lymphatic vessels, compromising the body’s ability to properly circulate and drain lymph fluid, which can result in swelling, tightness, heaviness, and pain, particularly in the legs,” he explained.

Lipedema often dismissed as weight gain

Research suggests that lipedema affects 10–11% of adult women. The condition is often underdiagnosed. 

It can be helpful when public figures like Doja Cat speak openly about their health, especially when they have conditions like lipedema that can be difficult to detect.

“Visibility usually helps people recognize symptoms in themselves and seek medical care earlier.

With lipedema, awareness is especially important because the condition is often dismissed as just weight gain,” Dasgupta said.

“Discussing it publicly can help shift the conversation from blame toward recognition that this is a condition that deserves proper attention,” he noted.

Frequently asked questions about lipedema

Recognizing the signs of lipedema can help avoid misdiagnosis and get you the treatment you need.

Here’s what you need to know about lipedema, according to a physician. This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Why is lipedema commonly misdiagnosed?

Dasgupta: One reason lipedema goes undiagnosed is that many clinicians and patients are still unfamiliar with it.

The condition can resemble common body fat patterns, so symptoms may be attributed to obesity or lifestyle factors rather than a true medical disorder. 

There is also no one laboratory test that confirms the diagnosis. Physicians usually rely on clinical evaluation and physical examination, which requires them to be aware of the condition in the first place.

How do you know if it's lipedema or cellulite?

Dasgupta: Lipedema can resemble cellulite or typical fat accumulation because the skin may appear dimpled or uneven. However, the underlying process behind it is different. 

The fat distribution in lipedema tends to be symmetrical and disproportionate to the upper body, and it usually does not resolve despite weight-loss efforts. 

Because the visual appearance can overlap with common cosmetic concerns, the condition is often misunderstood or minimized.

What are the main symptoms of lipedema?

Dasgupta: A common sign is a noticeable difference between the upper and lower body, where the legs or hips appear unusually larger than the waist or torso. 

The affected areas might also feel tender to the touch and bruise easily. Some notice swelling that worsens throughout the day or after standing for a long time. 

Another clue is that the fat deposits often remain even when someone loses weight elsewhere in the body. For example, an individual may lose fat in the face, neck, and torso, but the fat deposits in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes arms remain unchanged.

What causes lipedema?

Dasgupta: Lipedema appears to occur almost exclusively in women and often develops during times of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. 

There also appears to be a genetic component, as many people with lipedema report family members with similar patterns of fat distribution.

While the condition can occur at different body weights, hormonal factors and family history appear to play a role in the risk.

How is lipedemia treated?

Dasgupta: Management typically focuses on reducing symptoms and maintaining mobility. 

Conservative approaches are compression garments, physical therapy, and specialized lymphatic massage to lower swelling and discomfort. Frequent exercise can improve circulation and overall health, but it does not directly reduce fat. 

In some cases, surgical options like specialized liposuction may be considered. Treatment plans are usually individualized and may include recommendations from primary care physicians, vascular specialists, and physical therapists.

Doja Cat Reveals She May Have Lipedema: What Are the Signs, Symptoms?
Source: Pinoy Lang Sakalam

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