In 2012, Pauline Potter became the heaviest woman in the world, weighing over 700 pounds, comparable to a polar bear. After gaining fame on TLC’s My 600-lb Life, she underwent a remarkable transformation that surprised many.

Potter, who earned the Guinness World Record in 2011, attributed her weight gain to her ex-husband Alex, who encouraged her to eat large meals. She set a goal to reach 700 pounds to please him. However, Dr. Chris Steele warned that her weight posed serious health risks.

After being named the “world’s fattest woman,” Potter’s husband left her, and she relied heavily on her 17-year-old son, Dillon, for daily care. She faced challenges with mobility and hygiene due to her size.

Motivated to regain her independence, Potter appeared on My 600-lb Life in 2014, starting at 643 pounds. With the help of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, she lost 44 pounds and qualified for gastric bypass surgery. Despite setbacks, including weight gain, she eventually lost 500 pounds and underwent skin removal surgery.

By January 2022, Potter proudly announced on Instagram that she had reached 223 pounds, celebrating her newfound independence and healthier lifestyle.