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.
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. As much as they might not talk about it often, or even show this part of their life, around 1 in every 10 female celebrities must suffer with Lipedema.
The below celebs have varying stages of Lipedema. This is based off research I have carried out into the topic and interviews they have given alluding to the fact that they suffer from Lipedema.
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!
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 recent calf liposuction surgery to treat her Lipedema. She shared before and after photos on her social media.
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. Having contracted the condition at 18, she has never let it stop her from earning numerous Grammy awards and having a successful career creating music.
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 with 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.
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 with the latter stages of Lipedema. The media has often followed her alleged weight struggles, however her fans claim that Lipedema is mainly to blame for this. She is still a legend in Hollywood making people laugh with her quick whit, and she also advocates for Lipedema awareness.
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!
Celebs with Lipedema are more common than you think
It might feel like you’re alone with this condition, but in reality Lipedema doesn’t spare anyone. Whether you’re a celeb or just a normal women 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.
Do you know any other celebrities who suffer from Lipedema? Comment below or send me an email on sophie@lipedemaandme.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.