A Brazilian model has revealed her struggle with lipedema, an incurable condition that causes painful fat buildup in the legs, after years of bullying and failed fitness attempts.
Victoria Matosa, 26, who has 4.3 million Instagram followers (@soyvictoriamatosa), was cruelly nicknamed “penguin” in school due to her thick legs and says the body shame left her too embarrassed to wear shorts or go out with friends.
Despite working out for hours and trying extreme diets, she saw no results and blamed herself until she was diagnosed in February 2023.
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It was a mix of relief and sadness,” she said. “I thought I just wasn’t trying hard enough.” The condition, which worsened after puberty, causes pain, swelling, and fatigue in her legs and knees.
Though relieved to understand her symptoms, Victoria says treatment options are daunting either major surgery or a strict anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
She now follows a special diet and exercises but isn’t ready for the three liposuctions she’d need. “Some days I feel very discouraged, but I try to love myself more,” she said.
Online, she’s faced both support and harsh trolling. “I got tired of people sending hateful messages just to hurt me,” she said. “But now I don’t let them make me feel like a monster.”
Despite the bullying, she says her romantic partners have always accepted her body, and she hopes sharing her story helps other women recognize the signs of lipedema and feel less alone.
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