- 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.
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.
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.
