International pop star Doja Cat has revealed that she may be living with a little-known medical condition after what she described as a late-night moment of realisation about her long-standing body changes and earlier cosmetic surgery.
Speaking candidly in a video posted in the early hours on TikTok, the 30-year-old artist said she had recently come across information about lipedema, a chronic disorder that causes abnormal fat accumulation, particularly in the legs and arms. After reviewing images and descriptions of the condition, she began to suspect that it might explain physical characteristics she had struggled to understand for years.
Lipedema is a medical condition that primarily affects women and is often mistaken for ordinary weight gain or cellulite. According to medical specialists, the disorder involves the disproportionate buildup of fat tissue, usually around the thighs, hips, knees and calves. In more severe cases, swelling can interfere with mobility and daily activities.
The singer explained that she had long believed her body shape was simply unusual. However, when comparing her own appearance with photographs of individuals diagnosed with lipedema, she recognised striking similarities. She suggested that she might have experienced a mild to moderate stage of the condition earlier in her life.
She also indicated that the disorder could run in her family, noting that her mother may have experienced similar symptoms. Researchers have found that lipedema often has a hereditary component, although it remains widely under-diagnosed worldwide.
Stages and Characteristics of Lipedema
| Stage | Description | Common Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Early phase | Smooth skin surface with small nodules beneath the skin |
| Stage 2 | Moderate phase | Uneven skin texture and increased fat deposits |
| Stage 3 | Advanced phase | Noticeable enlargement of limbs and pronounced tissue folds |
| Stage 4 | Severe phase | Extreme swelling, often affecting movement and mobility |
Reflecting on her earlier career, the performer recalled that she frequently felt self-conscious about the proportions of her lower body. She remembered an incident while preparing wardrobe pieces for a 2018 music video in which a manufacturer questioned whether her body measurements were accurate because they appeared atypical.
At the time, she assumed that her appearance was simply a matter of body type. Nevertheless, she often felt that her hips, thighs and knees were disproportionately larger than the rest of her figure.
In 2023, the artist disclosed to fans that she had undergone liposuction in an effort to reshape certain areas of her body. The procedure focused mainly on removing fat from the thighs, hips and lower back while leaving other areas largely untouched.
Looking back, however, she said the results were not what she had expected. Following the operation, the proportions of her body appeared uneven, prompting her to undergo an additional corrective procedure to remove fat from another area.
She explained that the combination of long-term fat accumulation and surgical alteration has left her with excess skin in some areas, affecting the overall appearance of her figure.
Her openness has sparked renewed public discussion about lipedema and the broader challenges surrounding body image in the entertainment industry. Health professionals often emphasise that many individuals with lipedema remain unaware of the condition for years, as its symptoms are frequently mistaken for lifestyle-related weight gain.
By sharing her personal reflections, the singer has drawn attention to a condition that remains relatively unfamiliar to the public, while highlighting the importance of medical understanding before pursuing cosmetic procedures.