Behind the crowns and smiles, there are also intimate realities. Camille Cerf, Miss France 2015, recently took to her Instagram account to reveal that she has lipedema, a still little-known condition. This candid confession challenges preconceived notions about the body and its transformations.
"I was diagnosed with lipedema."
In her video, Camille Cerf announces: "I've been diagnosed with lipedema." A short sentence, but heavy with meaning. She refers to her legs, which she says she has long hidden: "For years I've been hiding them from you, only showing them to you covered up."
Despite exercise and lymphatic drainage, the symptoms persist. Swelling, bruising that appears for no apparent reason, pain at the end of the day or in hot weather, cellulite… all these signs don't disappear through discipline or willpower. Her story reminds us of a crucial truth: not all bodily changes are due to a "lack of effort." Sometimes, it's a medical condition like lipedema.
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Lipedema, a disease that is still too little known
Lipedema is a progressive disease of adipose tissue. It is characterized by an abnormal and disproportionate accumulation of fat under the skin, primarily in the legs, from the hips to the ankles. Importantly, the feet are usually spared, which helps distinguish lipedema from other conditions such as lymphedema.
Unlike simple weight gain, lipedema does not disappear with a "strict diet" or intense exercise. It is not a lifestyle issue, but a medical condition. This distinction is crucial in a society where women's bodies are often scrutinized, commented on, and judged.
What are the symptoms?
The manifestations vary depending on the stage, but certain signs recur frequently:
- Symmetrical swelling of the legs, sometimes the arms
- A feeling of heaviness or tension
- Pain that occurs spontaneously or upon touch
- Easy appearance of bruises
- Uneven skin texture, dimpled appearance
- Hypersensitivity of the affected areas
The disease progresses through three main stages: initially, the skin remains smooth but the subcutaneous tissue thickens; then, palpable irregularities and nodules appear; finally, the limb may increase significantly in size. In some cases, lymphedema may develop and worsen the symptoms.
Who is affected?
Lipedema affects almost exclusively women. It often appears during major hormonal changes: puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. This hormonal dimension is one of the main explanations for its development. Specialists also suggest a possible genetic component and vascular or lymphatic factors.
Despite this, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Many women wait years before receiving a diagnosis, as their symptoms are sometimes wrongly attributed to being overweight.
Words that liberate
By revealing her lipedema, Camille Cerf puts words to a feeling shared by many women. Her story helps to change perceptions: no, some body shapes are not a reflection of a "lack of willpower." Yes, a body can be both beautiful and bear the marks of an illness. Her message is profoundly body-positive: your worth is measured neither by the firmness of your legs nor the evenness of your skin. A diagnosis takes nothing away from your beauty, your strength, or your worth.
Ultimately, Camille Cerf – Miss France 2015 – is helping to break the taboo surrounding lipedema. More than just sharing her experience, it's an act of raising awareness. Better understanding this condition helps avoid hasty judgments and unjust guilt. Your body tells a unique story. If it experiences an illness, it is neither at fault nor less worthy of admiration. Informing, listening to, and respecting these realities allows us to build a fairer, gentler, and more inclusive view of women's bodies.
