Pauline Potter, My 600lb Life Star’s Weight Loss Transformation

Pauline Potter, once weighing over 700 pounds and relying on a motorized scooter for mobility, has undergone a dramatic transformation—losing more than half her body weight and reclaiming her life.

At one point, Pauline intentionally gained weight after her husband expressed a preference for larger women. She eventually contacted Guinness World Records, hoping someone might take notice and offer help. In 2012, she was officially named the World’s Heaviest Living Woman—a title that shocked her.

“I thought if I reached out, maybe someone could help,” Pauline shared. “But when they came back and said I was the world’s fattest woman, I was in disbelief.”

Although she once embraced her size, Pauline later admitted it became too much to handle. “I used to love being big, but it went too far,” she said. “It got to the point where I couldn’t even stand up on my own. Someone had to pull my head forward while I rocked my body just to get upright.”

Daily life became a struggle. She required a walk-in bathtub and used a stool and handheld shower to clean herself. “It’s a lot of work,” she said. “With so many skin folds, you can get infections. I wash every day, dry thoroughly, and apply cornstarch to areas like my stomach and behind my knees. My son has to help with places I can’t reach.”

Pauline first met her husband Alex online in 2002, when she weighed around 600 pounds. Encouraged by his affection, she continued gaining weight. The couple married in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day in 2003 but eventually split, leaving her son Dillon as her primary caregiver.

Her life began to change after appearing on TLC’s My 600-lb Life. Under the guidance of renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan—known as “Dr. Now”—Pauline committed to an intensive weight-loss program and lost over 500 pounds.

Dr. Now celebrated her progress in an Instagram post, writing:
“I’m extremely proud of the commitment Pauline has shown. When a patient wants to lose more than 500 pounds, the key is understanding the power of commitment. Surgery isn’t a quick fix—it’s a tool. Real success comes when a patient is ready to change their life and stick with it.”

Fans of the show cheered her on. One viewer wrote, “Pauline is one of my all-time favorites. Just watched her again—so glad to see this update! You go, girl!” Another added, “Wow! I’m so proud of her. She’s come such a long way.”