Pauline Potter’s story from My 600-Lb Life Season 3 is one of the most remarkable transformations the show has ever seen.

In 2011, Pauline gained national attention when she was named the Guinness World Record holder for the World’s Heaviest Woman, tipping the scales at over 700 pounds. At 51 years old, she was battling life-threatening health problems and depended heavily on her son for everyday care. Desperate for a way out, she turned to Dr. Nowzaradan in hopes of turning her life around.

Her journey wasn’t easy. Early on, Pauline struggled with Dr. Now’s strict weight-loss plan and even gained weight, reaching 678 pounds during filming. But after shedding 44 pounds, she was cleared for weight-loss surgery. Despite hitting some tough roadblocks—including an addiction to pain medication—she didn’t give up.

Through years of hard work and determination, Pauline eventually lost an astonishing 520 pounds. By 2019, she declared her weight-loss journey complete and shared plans to return home to California after spending several years in Houston.

While not every patient on My 600-Lb Life finds lasting success, Pauline’s story stands out as proof that with grit and perseverance, real change is possible.