American recording artist Doja Cat has spoken candidly about a possible medical condition and her past cosmetic surgery, revealing a late-night realisation that may explain her long-standing concerns about body proportions.
In a video shared on the social media platform TikTok at around one o’clock in the morning, the singer described what she called an “epiphany” regarding her lifelong experience of uneven fat distribution. According to the 30-year-old performer, she now believes that she may have lipedema, a chronic condition in which fat accumulates abnormally, most commonly in the legs and sometimes the arms.
The Grammy-winning artist, whose birth name is Amala Dlamini, explained that she recognised similarities between her own body and photographs of people diagnosed with the condition. Lipedema is not simply weight gain; it is considered a medical disorder affecting fat tissue and can lead to swelling, discomfort and changes in body shape.
She also suggested that the condition might run in her family, noting that her mother may have experienced similar symptoms. Medical specialists acknowledge that lipedema can be hereditary and is most frequently diagnosed in women.
Overview of Lipedema Stages
| Stage | Description | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Early stage | Smooth skin with small nodules beneath the surface |
| Stage 2 | Moderate progression | Uneven skin texture with larger fat deposits |
| Stage 3 | Advanced stage | Significant fat accumulation and pronounced skin folds |
| Stage 4 | Most severe stage | Severe swelling and mobility limitations |
Reflecting on her earlier years in the music industry, the artist recalled that she had always assumed the appearance of her legs was due to cellulite. However, she frequently felt that her body proportions differed noticeably from standard clothing measurements.
While preparing costumes for the music video of her 2018 single “Go to Town”, she submitted body measurements to a costume manufacturer. According to her account, the company initially believed the measurements were incorrect because the proportions appeared unusual.
The performer admitted that such experiences left her feeling self-conscious. Despite not considering herself severely overweight, she said she accumulated significant fat around her hips, thighs, calves and knees.
In 2023, she publicly revealed that she had undergone liposuction. The procedure primarily targeted her thighs, hips and lower back. At the time, she left other areas largely unchanged, believing they were less problematic.
However, she later regretted aspects of the surgery. After the fat removal, she felt the proportions between her hips and thighs appeared unbalanced, which prompted her to undergo a second corrective procedure. During that operation, additional fat was removed to achieve a more even appearance.
The singer explained that years of fat accumulation followed by surgical reduction have left her with excess skin, particularly around the lower body. She now acknowledges that this has altered the shape of her body in ways she did not anticipate.
Her reflections have sparked discussion online about lipedema awareness and the pressures faced by performers regarding body image. Medical professionals frequently stress that the condition is under-diagnosed and often misunderstood, with many individuals initially believing their symptoms are related solely to weight gain.
By speaking openly about her experience, the artist has contributed to a broader conversation about health, cosmetic surgery and the importance of understanding underlying medical conditions before pursuing aesthetic procedures.