Pop star Doja Cat says she may be living with a medical condition that could explain years of confusion about her body.
The Grammy-winning artist shared the revelation during a candid late-night video posted to social media. In the clip, the 30-year-old singer described a recent realization that she may have lipedema, a disorder that causes abnormal fat buildup in certain parts of the body.
The condition most commonly affects the legs and arms and can worsen over time if untreated.
During the video, the “Paint the Town Red” singer reflected on how the discovery reshaped her understanding of long-standing body concerns.
“I was probably at, like, stage one or stage two. And it looks exactly like my legs,” she said. “Like this looks… These legs look like my legs.”
The artist, whose real name is Amala Dlamini, said the realization came after researching photos of people diagnosed with lipedema.
A Late-Night Realization
Doja Cat said she had long struggled to understand why fat accumulated in specific areas of her lower body.
For years, she believed the appearance was simply cellulite.
“I always thought like, ‘Damn, what’s wrong with me? Like, is something wrong with me?’” she said in the video. “Like, why do people keep pointing at me and gawking at me?”
According to medical experts, lipedema causes disproportionate fat accumulation, often around the thighs, hips and calves. In some cases, the condition can also cause tenderness and swelling.
The singer said looking at medical references and online images helped her recognize similarities between her own body and early stages of the disease.
She also suggested the condition could run in her family.
“My mom might have it too,” she said while discussing the possibility that genetics may play a role.
Health organizations note that lipedema can sometimes be hereditary and typically progresses through stages, from mild skin texture changes to more severe swelling that can affect mobility.
Reflecting on Cosmetic Surgery
The revelation also prompted Doja Cat to revisit past decisions about cosmetic procedures.
In 2023, the singer publicly confirmed that she had undergone liposuction. The procedure targeted areas such as her thighs, hips and lower back.
At the time, she hoped the surgery would address the stubborn fat deposits she had struggled with for years.
Now, she believes the procedure may have been related to the underlying condition.
While discussing cosmetic surgery with fans, she offered a warning to others considering similar treatments.
“It’s a slippery slope, liposuction and things like that,” she said.
Despite the uncertainty around a formal diagnosis, Doja Cat said the realization brought a new perspective on her body and past experiences.
The singer has not announced any official medical evaluation.