Shania Twain has opened up about her struggles with her body image during menopause, revealing that she became ‘malnourished’ due to unhealthy weight loss tactics. The 60-year-old music icon shared her candid experiences in a recent interview.
Body Image Struggles During Menopause
The “You’re Still The One” singer recalled a period around 2019, during her Las Vegas residency, when she experienced significant body dissatisfaction. “I hated my body,” Twain admitted, explaining that she avoided looking at her reflection. “I’m, like, ‘Oh, I cannot stand this changing body.’ But that was so unhealthy. Who cannot look at themselves in the mirror?”
Twain described feeling a lack of control over the changes her body was undergoing. “So all of a sudden I’m bloating, and I’m definitely not in control. I can’t just lose five pounds.” In an effort to combat these changes, she resorted to “very unhealthy things” for weight loss.
Physical and Emotional Toll
The singer elaborated that she was pushing her body physically without adequate nourishment. “And I was working my body more than I was feeding it to keep up with the strain,” she stated. This period of extreme measures led to her becoming ‘malnourished’ and also resulted in a thigh injury sustained on stage during her Las Vegas shows at the time.
Embracing Aging and Self-Acceptance
Despite these difficult experiences, Twain has since adopted a more positive outlook on menopause and the aging process. “Now I’m like, bring on the mirrors, I’m going to look at myself all day long!” she shared. She now views menopause as a period of learning and acceptance. “Menopause has been very good for me because I’ve learned that some things you cannot control.”
She further reflected on her evolving perspective on aging, noting a newfound sense of freedom. “I wake up everyday, in the last few years, really feeling a freedom I’ve never felt before. And that is coming with acceptance that I cannot slow the process of aging.” Twain emphasized the importance of enjoying life as it comes, stating, “That is out of my control. So, I need to start enjoying aging. And enjoying all that comes with that.”
Liberation and Self-Love
Twain expressed that she now feels comfortable and liberated in her own skin. “I feel great in my own skin” and “can look in the mirror with the lights on.” She described this as a liberating experience, overcoming a long-held fear. “I feel good about facing that kind of fear that I’ve had I think all of my life when I really think about it,” she added.
In a 2024 conversation, Twain discussed her past focus on appearance and the shift in her mindset. “When I started to realize I had been missing out on whatever I am, I knew it was time to make a major change.” She stated that she no longer feels held back by insecurities about her body. “I’m just feeling grateful that I have my health, that I can ride horses. I enjoy being active, being physical.”
Twain has also spoken out against the societal pressure to reverse aging, stating that she does not plan to undergo cosmetic procedures purely for aesthetic reasons. “I can’t change it and I don’t plan on changing it superficially.” She contrasted this with necessary medical procedures, such as her larynx surgery in 2018, which was for her well-being. “What is necessary is knowing that it is there and not hating myself for it. I have to take myself on the stage without feeling like I have to cover myself up. I want to feel liberated.”
Recent Performances
Twain recently hosted the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards in May. She also performed as a special guest for Harry Styles during his tour stops at Wembley Stadium, appearing in outfits including hotpants and a corset top.
