Grammy-winning artist Doja Cat said in a TikTok video that she believes she may have lipedema, a chronic condition that causes abnormal fat accumulation in the lower body. She explained that this pattern of fat — around her thighs, knees, calves and hips — played a role in her decision to get liposuction in 2023.
In the clip she described large, disproportionate deposits around her knees and lower legs despite not being severely overweight overall. “If you look at my knees… Like I had big ass knees, like big fat f*ing knees,” she said, adding that she carried “a whole ton of it” in ankles, calves, knees, thighs and buttocks.
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder that most often affects the hips, thighs and legs. The fat buildup tends to be symmetrical and is usually disproportionate to the upper body. Unlike typical weight gain, these deposits often do not respond to diet or exercise, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, chief medical advisor at Garage Gym Reviews, told Healthline.
People with lipedema may experience tenderness, easy bruising and swelling in affected areas. Over time, the condition can cause discomfort, mobility limitations and, in some cases, problems with lymphatic drainage. Although lipedema is not primarily a lymphatic disease, abnormal fat can press on lymphatic vessels and contribute to swelling, heaviness and pain in the legs.
How common is it — and why might awareness help?
Research suggests lipedema may affect roughly 10–11% of adult women, but it is often underdiagnosed. Public figures discussing their experiences can help others recognize symptoms and seek evaluation earlier. “Visibility usually helps people recognize symptoms in themselves and seek medical care earlier,” Dasgupta said, noting that the condition is frequently dismissed as simple weight gain.
Why lipedema is often missed
Lipedema can look like ordinary fat or cellulite, so it’s commonly mistaken for obesity or cosmetic concerns. There’s no single lab test to confirm the diagnosis; clinicians rely on clinical exam and awareness of the condition. Because the fat distribution is disproportionate and often resistant to weight-loss efforts, clinicians familiar with lipedema can distinguish it from typical adiposity.
Signs and symptoms to watch for
– Disproportionate, symmetrical fat accumulation in the lower body (hips, thighs, buttocks, sometimes arms) compared with the upper body.
– Fat deposits that persist even when other body areas lose fat with dieting or weight loss.
– Tenderness or pain in the affected areas and easy bruising.
– Swelling that may worsen over the course of the day or after long periods of standing.
– A noticeable size difference between the upper and lower body.
Lipedema most commonly emerges in women and often begins or worsens during hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. There also appears to be a genetic link, with many patients reporting family members who have similar fat distribution.
Management and treatment
Treatment focuses on symptom relief, preserving mobility and improving quality of life. Common conservative measures include:
– Compression garments to reduce swelling and discomfort.
– Physical therapy and regular exercise to improve circulation, mobility and overall health (though exercise does not typically reduce the lipedema fat itself).
– Manual lymphatic drainage or specialized massage techniques to ease swelling.
For persistent symptoms or for cosmetic and functional concerns, specialized liposuction techniques that remove lipedema fat may be considered. Treatment plans are individualized and often involve collaboration between primary care providers, vascular specialists, physical therapists and surgeons.
Bottom line
Doja Cat’s openness about possibly having lipedema highlights a condition that is frequently overlooked. Recognizing the signs — disproportionate, symmetric fat in the lower body that doesn’t respond to weight loss, tenderness, easy bruising and daily swelling — can prompt earlier evaluation and management. If you suspect lipedema, consult a clinician experienced with the condition to discuss diagnosis and tailored treatment options.
