Real Housewife defends herself against ‘cruel’ comments after 18-kilogram weight gain

Shannon Beador is getting ahead of the fat-shamers.

The Real Housewives of Orange County star has addressed her recent weight gain on Instagram revealing to her 740K followers that she's put on 18 kilograms.

"So let's just get to it. Yes, I have gained weight," the 53-year-old began. "A lot of weight. About 40 pounds to be exact."  

The lengthy caption accompanied a glossy, promo shot of the RHOC cast member, with the premiere date and time of the new season conveniently placed in the corner.  

"I have not had plastic surgery or fillers, it's just plain and simple weight gain," Shannon wrote.

According to the reality star, there are "multiple factors" that contributed to her size which, you guessed it, will be addressed this season.

"To those people who intend to write cruel or derogatory comments to me, I want to let you know you will be blocked and the comment deleted," she continued. "Gaining weight and trying to take it off is a struggle that most women will face at some point in their lives."

She went on to thank those who have already reached out with their kind thoughts. "I am hopeful that my fans and viewers of the show will be supportive of my journey," she wrote.

While Shannon isn't the first celebrity to be battered by body criticism, it certainly highlights the messed up way gaining weight has become literally the worst thing you can ever do.

And if you happen to be on a reality show, you can bet your weight it'll make up part of the storyline.

Here's hoping this "journey" Shannon speaks of goes deeper than picking apart her physical flaws.

Sigh.