Shania Twain Says She Used to Do ‘Very Unhealthy Things’ to ‘Be Thinner,’ Reveals Why Menopause Has Been ‘Very Good’ for Her

Shania Twain Opens Up About Body Image Struggles and Embracing Menopause

**Country music superstar Shania Twain has recently shared her deeply personal journey regarding body image and self-acceptance during her career. In an interview with The Times, she reflected on her struggles with self-esteem and the positive impact of menopause on her perception of her body.**

The 60-year-old singer recounted a difficult period in her life in 2019 when she was performing in her Las Vegas residency. Twain faced feelings of dissatisfaction as her body began to change with age. During this time, she became so troubled by her appearance that she stopped looking in mirrors altogether. “I hated my body,” she confessed. “I’m like, ‘Oh, I cannot stand this changing body.’ But that was so unhealthy. Who cannot look at themselves in the mirror?”

Twain discussed how ageing affected her previously established routines. She noticed an increase in bloating and felt an overwhelming lack of control over her body, stating, “I can’t just lose five pounds.” In her quest to maintain her appearance, Twain engaged in “very unhealthy things” and worked her body to the brink of exhaustion, which ultimately led to her becoming malnourished and aggravating an onstage injury.

However, her outlook has significantly changed in the years since that challenging time. “Now I’m like, bring on the mirrors, I’m going to look at myself all day long!” Twain proclaimed, expressing newfound acceptance and appreciation for her body. A significant contributor to this shift in perspective, she explained, has been menopause, which she believes has taught her the importance of embracing aspects of herself that she previously tried to control. “Menopause has been very good for me because I’ve learned that some things you cannot control,” she explained.

Twain’s candid approach to discussing body image is not new; she previously expressed her evolving self-image when she chose to pose nude for the cover of her sixth studio album, *Queen of Me*. During a discussion with the New York Post in 2023, she revealed that, while she does not identify as an exhibitionist, she has grown to appreciate her body more than ever. “I used to hate my body,” she admitted, reflecting on how she concealed her figure when she was younger.

Her artistic vision led her to capture a moment of self-acceptance, stating, “I think I needed to capture where I am right now, because it’s a moment that I want to remember. I’m perfectly the way I should be. This is the way I should be at my age. I’m fine with it. And I’m not afraid of it anymore. It’s all good.”

Menopause has prompted Twain to confront and overcome her insecurities, embracing the reality that her body is evolving. She encourages women of all ages to adopt a similar outlook on body confidence. In a previous interview with PEOPLE, she expressed her hope to inspire women to embrace who they are as they age. Twain urged women not to hide behind their self-consciousness: “I want other women that are aging, or any women … even if you’re 12 and you’re developing, you shouldn’t feel like you need to hide behind your fear or your self-conscious shield.”

As she shares her experiences, Twain emphasises the importance of finding comfort in one’s own skin and recognising the unique journey each person undertakes throughout life. “You have to do it within your own sense of what is right and good and safe for you,” she added, encouraging a personal path to self-acceptance.

Twain’s openness about her body image struggles and triumphs serves as a reminder of the challenges many face while navigating societal expectations and personal insecurities. Her story resonates with those grappling with similar issues and showcases the possibilities of embracing change at any age.

For anyone experiencing difficulties related to body image or eating disorders, organisations like The Alliance for Eating Disorders offer supportive resources, including a helpline and therapist-led support groups.

Shania Twain’s journey underscores the transformative power of acceptance and the importance of promoting body confidence, inspiring countless women to embrace their true selves.