From World’s Heaviest Woman to an Incredible Transformation — Pauline Potter’s Journey Stuns Fans

Back in 2012, Pauline Potter made headlines when she was crowned the world’s heaviest woman by Guinness World Records—tipping the scales at over 700 pounds, roughly the weight of an adult female polar bear. At the time, the title brought her worldwide attention—and a wave of challenges that nearly cost her everything.

The now 61-year-old later appeared on TLC’s My 600-lb Life, where viewers were stunned by both her health struggles and her eventual transformation.

Pauline first gained notoriety in 2011 when she officially became the “world’s heaviest woman.” Her then-husband, Alex, fully supported her lifestyle—and even encouraged her to eat more. “He loved my size,” Pauline once told The Mirror. “I set a goal to reach 700 pounds to be even bigger for him.”

She recalled how Alex would cook massive meals and feed her pudding as a gesture of intimacy and love. But doctors warned otherwise. Dr. Chris Steele, a former TV physician in the U.K., said Pauline was playing with fire: “At 700 pounds, she was putting her life at serious risk.”

After Guinness recognized her weight, things quickly unraveled. Alex left her, and Pauline found herself completely dependent on her 17-year-old son, Dillon, for basic care—bathing, dressing, and even getting around.

“I can’t reach certain areas of my body,” she admitted. “Dillon helps me with that. It’s a lot of work.” She also relied on a mobility scooter, since she could no longer fit in a regular car.

Despite the emotional and physical toll, Pauline decided to take control of her life.

In 2014, she appeared on My 600-lb Life and started working with bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan—known to fans simply as “Dr. Now.” At her heaviest on the show, she weighed 643 pounds. With some effort, she lost 44 pounds and was approved for gastric bypass surgery.

But her weight-loss journey was far from easy. Pauline often resisted Dr. Now’s advice, struggled to follow her meal plan, and sometimes gained weight back. “Her biggest issue is her attitude,” Dr. Now said, frustrated by her excuses and lack of motivation.

Eventually, though, Pauline had a breakthrough. Over the years, she shed an incredible 500 pounds and underwent skin removal surgery. In early 2022, she shared an emotional Instagram update, proudly revealing her new weight: 223 pounds.

“It feels amazing not to depend on anyone else for even the smallest tasks,” she wrote, alongside photos showing her incredible progress.

Fans poured in with encouragement:

• “You look amazing—what an inspiration!”

• “So proud of your journey!”

• “Such an incredible accomplishment.”

Pauline’s story is proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, change is possible. Her journey from rock bottom to reclaiming her independence has inspired thousands—and reminded the world what resilience truly looks like.