After enduring the emotional pain of losing BFF Vicki Gunvalson, Shannon Beador’s physical health also took a hit. In an exclusive interview with Life & Style, the Real Housewives of Orange County star, 53, revealed that she “put on 40 pounds in eight months” after she and Vicki, 55, decided to pull the plug on their friendship.

“I ate and I drank and I was such a mess,” said Shannon, who, as documented on RHOC, has repeatedly butted heads with Vicki over a myriad of issues. As viewers may recall, their relationship took a turn for the worse after Vicki’s ex-boyfriend Brooks Ayers was caught lying about his cancer diagnosis. Shannon had recommended a sought-after doctor for Brooks to see, but he passed on her offer and later admitted that he fabricated medical documents.

shannon vicki rhoc - getty

Naturally, the drama was rehashed on RHOC’s explosive Season 10 reunion, which infuriated Vicki, who — seemingly in retaliation — went on to spread rumors that Shannon’s husband, David, abused her. “I had no idea it was going to be on the show. Are they going to use it?” the mom-of-three —who shares teen daughters Sophia, Stella, and Adeline with David — recalled. “Are people going to believe her?” Shannon recently announced during the Season 12 reunion taping that she and David are getting a divorce after 17 years of marriage.

Vicki’s shocking claim aired last fall, and Shannon denied it during the Season 11 reunion. While she had a chance to defend herself against the OG Housewife, Shannon believes the stress of the situation was the direct cause of her weight gain.

View this post on Instagram

Yes @drtim, this will become muscle soon! 💪👊 #workingonit #willgetthere

A post shared by Shannon Storms Beador (@shannonbeador) on

Shannon revealed she’s working hard to get her body back with a lean diet of protein and veggies paired with at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. “I’m down eight pounds and four percent body fat so far,” she proudly told Life & Style. “I’ll get there.”