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“Was it hard? Oh, absolutely,” Ben Napier confessed during a candid conversation about his jaw-dropping 95-pound weight loss. The beloved HGTV star, known for his towering 6’6” frame and big-hearted charm on Home Town, opened up about the physical and emotional rollercoaster of his transformation. But, as Ben puts it, “I didn’t do this just for me. I did it for my family—and for the future I want to share with them.”
The turning point came in 2023 after Ben underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. “You know, sitting on the couch for months and not being able to move much—it messes with your head,” Ben explained. That sedentary period, combined with creeping concerns about his health, became a wake-up call.
Erin Napier, Ben’s wife and co-star, recalls how the moment of clarity hit them both. “Ben looked at me one night and said, ‘I need to be better—for you, for the girls, and for myself,’” she shared. Their daughters, Helen and Mae, became a major source of inspiration. “I want to see them grow up. I want to dance at their weddings,” Ben added.
At his heaviest, Ben tipped the scales at 330 pounds. With his signature humor, he joked, “When you’re 6’6”, people don’t notice you’re big—they notice you’re huge.” But his weight had started taking a toll on his energy, his joints, and even his ability to fully enjoy the woodworking he loves.
Over the course of the next year, Ben shed an incredible 95 pounds, bringing him closer to the healthiest version of himself. “It wasn’t about quick fixes. It was about long-term change,” he emphasized.
Let’s clear up the elephant in the room: Did Ben Napier use weight-loss drugs like Ozempic? Absolutely not. “I didn’t want shortcuts,” he said firmly. “I wanted to know I’d earned every bit of progress I made.”
Instead, Ben credits two key factors for his success: a balanced diet and consistent exercise.
Weight loss isn’t just a physical battle; it’s a mental one, too. For Ben, the journey was deeply personal.
“There were days I wanted to quit. Days I’d look in the mirror and think, ‘What’s the point?’” he admitted. “But Erin was always there, cheering me on, reminding me why I started.”
The support from fans also played a role. “Every time someone would comment on my progress, it gave me a little extra push,” he said. “Knowing that my story could inspire someone else to take charge of their health—it’s the best feeling in the world.”
Despite losing 95 pounds, Ben Napier isn’t shy about discussing setbacks. After recovering from his shoulder surgery, he regained about 20 pounds during a period of limited mobility.
“And you know what? That’s life,” he shrugged. “The key is not letting a setback derail you. I’m still healthier and happier than I’ve ever been.”
1. How much weight did Ben Napier lose?
Ben lost an impressive 95 pounds over the course of his journey.
2. Did Ben Napier use Ozempic or other drugs to lose weight?
No, Ben achieved his transformation through healthy eating and consistent exercise.
3. What inspired Ben Napier to lose weight?
Becoming a father and wanting to be present for his daughters’ future milestones motivated Ben to prioritize his health.
4. How did Ben Napier’s diet change?
Ben focused on lean proteins, fresh veggies, and complex carbs while cutting back on unhealthy options like fried foods.
5. What’s next for Ben Napier’s fitness journey?
Ben continues to stay active and maintain his healthier lifestyle, focusing on long-term health rather than short-term goals.
Ben Napier’s weight loss journey isn’t just about numbers on a scale. It’s a story of love—for himself, his family, and his future. His transformation reminds us that it’s never too late to take control of your health, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
And as for that 95-pound milestone? “It’s great, sure,” Ben says with a grin. “But the real win is feeling like I can take on anything life throws at me.”
So, whether you’re starting your own health journey or just need a little inspiration, take a page from Ben Napier’s book: progress is possible, and it’s always worth it.