Here’s an incredible story of a woman who became the world’s fattest by gobbling a breakfast of six scrambled eggs, half a pound of bacon, four hash browns, six slices of buttered bread, all washed down with an ice – cream milkshake, and then turned things around to lose over 500 pounds.
Amazingly, Pauline Potter used this extreme diet to try to win a title.
By 2012, weighing 50 stone and a mother – of – one at the time, she officially entered the Guinness Book of Records as the World’s Heaviest Living Woman in 2012. But others were waiting to take the title from her.
Pauline was part of a group called Supersize Big Beautiful Women, who believed the bigger you are, the more beautiful you become.
Years of having to rub corn starch on skin folds with others’ help to prevent yeast infections finally made her decide to diet. She also starred in the popular US show My 600lb Life.
By 2021, she was unrecognizable after losing over 500 pounds. It was a tough journey with many ups and downs.
Dr Younan Nowzaradan, known as Dr Now, worked with her on the show. He had to deal with her initial refusal of the 1,200 – calorie diet. At one point, she even decided to abandon her weight – loss journey, though she wanted to lose weight to ease the burden on her family.
At first, she gained weight under the doctor’s guidance. But eventually, Pauline lost enough weight to have surgery. Despite some setbacks, she lost 300 lbs and qualified for skin – removal surgery.
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By January 2023, Pauline had lost over 520 lbs and was ready to live a healthier life in her home state of California.
In October 2021, Dr Now showed on Instagram just how well Pauline had done in her weight – loss journey with a stunning before – and – after photo of the reality TV star.
He wrote to his 602k followers: “I’m very proud of Pauline’s commitment and progress. When a patient wants to work with me to lose over 500 pounds, the first step is understanding their belief in the ‘power of commitment’ to reach their weight – loss goals. Weight – loss surgery isn’t a quick fix. It’s a tool to support you on your weight – loss journey.”
He continued: “The results are inspiring when you’re committed to making the life changes needed to be a surgery candidate and lose excess fat. You keep investing in yourself and your goals, with the right support and mindset. If you’re doubtful, ask yourself, ‘What’s holding me back in life right now?’ If you’re willing to commit to changes, you’ll see results.”
Since early 2023, when she seemed happy with her new lifestyle, Pauline has been quiet on social media, with no new posts on Facebook or Instagram.
