Supermodel Paulina Porizkova, 59, reflects on gaining weight after hip surgery, not being able to shed pounds: 'I hit the postmenopause bump'
The former supermodel, 59, says she doesn't necessarily mind being 15 pounds heavier since she's no longer in constant pain.
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Paulina Porizkova might be a former supermodel, but that doesn't mean she's immune to menopause and weight gain. The 59-year-old author took to Instagram on Tuesday to reflect on the changes she's seen in her body, particularly after undergoing a double hip replacement a year ago.
The former America's Next Top Model judge had a bilateral hip replacement surgery in early 2024, an operation she said was "long overdue" since her hips were worn out from living with hip dysplasia since birth. The surgery left her optimistic about life, as it took away her chronic pain while she was working on new writing projects and making plans with loved ones.
However, Porizkova noted in her social media post she hadn't realized she gained around 15 pounds (seven kg) until she made a return to the runway for Paris Fashion Week several months later in September.
"One day back at my old job, and I was excruciatingly aware of every extra pound. I didn't fit the clothes. Which of course was and is my job. To fit the clothes!" the former fashion model wrote in her post, which included a slideshow video featuring three photos of herself wearing bikinis while vacationing in Jamaica and Iceland.
Porizkova continued to share she had to squeeze into the clothing to close out Balmain's Spring/Summer 2025 runway, eventually managing to get through the job. "But suddenly, I felt awful about myself. I had to lose some weight so I could fit into the clothing my job requires of me."
But in trying to change her lifestyle to shed a few pounds, Porizkova claimed she "hit the postmenopause bump" no matter how little she ate. Adding weight training, consuming more protein and cutting out desserts didn't help, she said.
"Two months later, I'm exactly the same weight. My butt feels firmer, but otherwise, most of my clothing is too small, a good indication I haven't shrunk. And yet, I don't exactly mind this new, fuller body. Compared to a year ago when I was 15 pounds less but in constant pain, my new softness feels soothing," she wrote, adding partner Jeff Greenstein helps make her feel the sexiness, desirability and prowess of her body.
In the comments section of her post, fellow models and fans exclaimed that being healthy is more important. Others shared kind words, with some noting she looks beautiful and that they don't see the weight gain.
"Strong and healthy is so sexy … society needs to get with that," German-born model Manon von Gerkan noted.
"You look beautiful, strong and healthy. And if you're happy, isn't that all that matters?" a fan shared.
"The smile looks the same size!" another chimed in.
What causes weight gain during menopause?
After someone has surgery, factors like fluid retention, a side effect of medication or being sedentary can contribute to weight gain. But in most cases, weight gain post-surgery is temporary and will subside as the body recovers.
However, menopause weight gain is common, according to Mayo Clinic, which also noted women going through their 50s gain weight at about 1.5 pounds (0.70 kg) per year. Most women enter menopause between ages 45 and 55, and postmenopause is when a woman has gone 12 months without a period.
Hormonal changes during menopause — particularly the decrease in estrogen and progesterone — is one reason why women gain weight in this life stage. Factors like aging, a decrease in muscle mass, genetics, lack of sleep and not getting enough exercise can also play a role.
Is menopause weight gain risky?
The hormonal changes seen during menopause typically results in women gaining weight around their abdomen, sometimes referred to as menopause belly. Genetics partially play a role in this, but as a person ages, they will usually lose muscle tone. This often occurs in the midsection and is replaced by fatty tissue.
Extra weight around the midsection can increase the risk of several health issues, according to Mayo Clinic. That includes high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, heart disease, sleep apnea, stroke, fatty liver and certain cancers.
How can I prevent menopause weight gain?
While menopause weight gain can't be prevented or retracted with a magic formula, it's important to stay on top of your health and manage your overall body weight. For starters, this includes getting enough exercise each week. Adults aged 18 to 64 should be active at least two-and-a-half hours per week with strength training at least two days a week, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Moreover, you should be conscious about what you're putting into your body. Mayo Clinic noted that might include checking your intake of sweets and alcohol, which may add extra calories to your diet. Additionally, someone in their 50s might need to cut their diet by about 200 calories a day to maintain their weight, as opposed to someone younger.
Can hormone therapy help with menopause weight gain?
Hormone therapy (HT) might help some people experiencing menopause with their symptoms. However, HT won't help you lose weight. Still, there is some evidence that HT may help redistribute the fat — called visceral fat — that accumulates around the midsection to other parts of the body.
However, it's important to note that HT isn't a magic antidote. When it comes to managing menopause weight, it's best to focus on healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
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