11 Celebs with Lipedema in 2024 | Famous People with Lipedema

Being a Lipedema sufferer can feel extremely isolating and like no one truly understands what you’re going through. When I used to look around, especially in the summer, all I would see was women with slim legs who looked amazing in shorts! It was probably my mind focusing in on the thing I longed for, but it made me feel as though I was the only person in the world with a disproportionate body type.

The media didn’t help these feelings either. The front pages of glossy magazines always show women with perfect bodies and smooth skin. Now I realise this is totally airbrushed. But younger me felt as though I had to live up to these unrealistic expectations of how women should look. Turns out it was completely out of my hands because I have a medical condition called Lipedema. Before we dive into celebs with Lipedema, what exactly is it?

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a progressive condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing an abnormal accumulation of fat, primarily in the legs, sometimes in the arms and potentially in the abdomen. Unlike typical fat, Lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise, leading to disproportionate body shapes that can cause painful symptoms and psychological distress.

11 Celebs with Lipedema

Since embarking on my Lipedema journey and realising that 11% of women suffer from this isolating condition, it got me thinking about how Lipedema must affect celebrities too. This condition doesn’t discriminate, affecting women from all walks of life, including those in the public eye. As much as they might not talk about it often, or even show it, around 1 in every 10 female celebrities must suffer with Lipedema.

As so many celebrities and public figures silently battle Lipedema, it highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding. Despite how common it is, Lipedema remains under diagnosed and misunderstood, making it crucial to emphasise its impact on women’s lives everywhere.

The below celebs have varying stages of Lipedema, or are speculated to suffer from the condition. This is based off research I have carried out into the topic and interviews they have given alluding to the fact that they are diagnosed with Lipedema.

1) Kelly Clarkson

America’s favourite sweetheart, Kelly Clarkson, has opened up to the media about having Lipedema. According to various sources, she struggled for a while after her diagnosis in 2006 before discussing it publicly in 2018. She has shared how she deals with her symptoms and pain in interviews, as well as opening up about the impact it has had on her mental health, particularly harming her self confidence. We feel you Kelly!

2) Shaughna Phillips

Since her appearance on Love Island, Shaughna Phillips has been transparent about her Lipedema diagnosis. After leaving the villa, she was inundated with messages telling her that she had a condition called Lipedema. She’d never heard of it. But once she started looking into it, she knew she had it. She had every symptom in the book. Shaughna was also open about her liposuction surgeries with Dr Wolf in London to treat her Lipedema. She shared before and after photos on her social media.

3) Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is another famous woman who has battled Lipedema for many years. She has faced a lot of criticism about her weight from the media. They often comment on her pear shaped physique. It’s difficult enough being criticised about your weight under any circumstances, but being criticised when it’s out of your control is just cruel. She has never let it stop her from earning numerous Grammy awards and having a successful career creating music.

4) Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado first experienced Lipedema symptoms in her early twenties, but it is said that she didn’t get a formal diagnosis until she was 30. She has discussed her ongoing issues related to the condition during interviews, and has been open and honest about her diagnosis. It makes me so happy to know that there are celebrities out there, like Nelly, that are waving the flag for all us Lipedema sufferers. She is giving us a voice.

5) Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates has had a lengthy and illustrious career. She has battled cancer twice which is common knowledge, but most people are unaware that she also fights the latter stages of Lymphedema and Lipedema. The media has often followed her alleged weight struggles, however her fans claim that Lipedema is mainly to blame for this. She is a legend in Hollywood making people laugh with her quick whit, and she also advocates for Lipedema awareness.

6) Kerry Katona

Kerry Katona has recently admitted to receiving a devastating Lipedema diagnosis which has caused ‘fatty lumps’ to emerge all over her body. She seems to be maintaining a positive mental attitude and has told her social media fans that she’s going to train as much as possible to stop the spread of the condition. Some major news outlets have even picked up her story, which is great news for us lippy ladies in the UK. We need more articles like this about Lipedema to raise awareness around the subject!

7) Mischa Barton

The British-American actress, best known for her role on The O.C., has been speculated to have Lipedema, although she has not confirmed this herself. Many believe her body changes could be linked to the condition. Despite this, Mischa has enjoyed a successful, illustrious career in film and television, showing that living with Lipedema does not limit your achievements or define your success.

8) Wendy Williams

Television personality and radio host, Wendy Williams, has been open about her experiences with Lymphedema and its challenges. While she hasn’t officially confirmed having Lipedema, there has been a lot of speculation that suffers from it. Her transparency about managing her condition, along with her efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, has raised awareness of these issues. Her openness has encouraged more conversations about Lymphedema and Lipedema, helping to bring these conditions into the public eye – thank you Wendy! 

9) Masie Smith

British actress, Maisie Smith, who has risen to stardom for her roles in television and film, as well as her relationship with Max George from the Wanted, has been thought to have Lipedema due to her body type. Her thriving career in the entertainment industry, including a stint on Strictly Come Dancing, shows that potentially having Lipedema hasn’t stopped her pursuing her passions.

10) Kim Kardashian

There has long been speculation about whether Kim Kardashian’s hourglass body shape is natural or enhanced by surgery, and debates continue over whether her proportions could be related to Lipedema. While some outlets claim that Kim has mentioned a Lipedema diagnosis, there is no evidence to confirm this. Regardless, Kim has become one of the most famous and wealthy celebrities globally, with much of her public image centred around her unique, womanly body shape.

11) Amy Schumer

Comedian and actress, Amy Schumer, has also been speculated to have Lipedema by various fans and news outlets. Known for her bold advocacy of body positivity, Schumer stands as one of the most outspoken figures championing self-acceptance and confidence in all body types. This stance is one that we love to see in the Lipedema community!

So, What Celebs Have Lipedema?

It might feel like you’re alone with this condition, but in reality Lipedema doesn’t spare anyone. Whether you’re a famous person, or just a normal woman like me, you can get Lipedema. It affects 11% of all women. Although the thought of anyone with Lipedema makes me sad, it is also slightly comforting to know that some of the women who are deemed ‘the most attractive on the planet’ or ‘have more money than you could imagine’ also have Lipedema. From Nelly Furtado to Kim Kardashian, it seems that it has the potential to affect us all.

Do you know any other celebrities who suffer from Lipedema? Comment below or send me an email on so****@li***********.com .

Disclaimer: My blogs talk about Lipedema, diet, surgery and much more. I’m talking from my point of view to help women, and remind them they are not alone. I am not a medical professional, so the content above is from my own perspective with research I have done into the topic. It’s not meant as medical advice, you should always consult your doctor or a specialist for both your diagnosis, and a treatment plan.

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