“I’ve always been a big guy, but when I saw how much my health was suffering, I knew it was time to make a change,” Ben Napier shares, his voice full of determination as he reflects on his incredible weight loss journey. The star of Home Town, known for his down-to-earth charm and impressive woodworking skills, had always been in the public eye. But behind his easy smile and TV persona, Ben was battling a weight issue that was affecting not just his appearance but his overall well-being.
For Ben, the decision to lose weight was not about fitting into a mold or looking a certain way—it was about his health, his family, and his future. His weight loss journey became a story of perseverance, emotional growth, and physical transformation. And today, at 95 pounds lighter, he’s ready to share that story with the world.
The Catalyst: A Wake-Up Call
The turning point for Ben came after a difficult moment in 2023 when he was forced to slow down due to shoulder surgery. This time of forced rest led him to reflect on his lifestyle and his health. “I realized that I was just getting bigger and bigger, and my health was taking a backseat to everything else,” he admits.
In fact, Ben had been living with high blood pressure for a while, something that weighed heavily on his mind. His weight, which had crept up to 335 pounds, had become a ticking time bomb. “I didn’t want to be in my 40s and dealing with major health problems. I wanted to be around for my wife Erin, and our kids,” he says, looking back on that moment. It was time to face the truth and make a change.
Starting the Journey: Taking Control of His Health
Ben’s weight loss didn’t happen overnight. It wasn’t a quick fix or a crash diet. Instead, it was a slow, consistent effort to make healthier choices in his daily life. “I just started by being more mindful of what I was eating. I swapped out my go-to convenience foods for meals that were richer in protein, vegetables, and whole grains,” Ben explains. His focus shifted from processed, high-calorie meals to nutrient-dense foods that could fuel his body and provide lasting energy.
In addition to revamping his diet, Ben also made exercise a regular part of his routine. “I started with walking and light stretching, and then slowly built up to more intense workouts. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it,” he recalls. He incorporated strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into his routine, along with yoga to improve flexibility and mental focus.
This combination of diet and exercise gradually helped Ben shed pounds. But more than that, it gave him back his sense of control. “It wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about feeling better, feeling healthier, and knowing that I was doing this for my family,” he says, his voice softening.
The Emotional Struggles: Overcoming Self-Doubt
As with any significant lifestyle change, Ben faced his share of emotional hurdles. There were days when the scale didn’t reflect the hard work he was putting in, and moments when self-doubt crept in. “There were definitely times when I felt like it wasn’t going to work,” he admits. “But I had to remind myself that this was a long-term commitment. I had to trust the process.”
Ben also struggled with the pressure of public scrutiny. As a beloved HGTV star, his weight loss became a topic of conversation among fans and the media. At times, the attention felt overwhelming. “It’s funny,” he says with a chuckle, “people seem to think they know everything about you because they see you on TV. But at the end of the day, this was my journey, and I had to do it for me.”
Despite the challenges, Ben pushed through, finding strength in his family and his desire to be healthier. “Erin was really supportive, and so were my friends and family. That made all the difference. Having that support system was crucial,” he says, smiling at the thought of his wife, Erin, who has always been his biggest cheerleader.
Achieving Success: The 95-Pound Milestone
By the end of 2023, Ben had lost a staggering 95 pounds. His transformation was visible, not just in his physical appearance but in his energy and outlook on life. “I feel like a completely different person,” Ben says with a grin, his eyes lighting up. “My posture is better, my face is slimmer, and I have so much more energy. I feel like I’ve gotten my life back.”
In fact, his weight loss didn’t just improve his health—it changed his life in other ways too. Ben noticed a shift in his attitude toward food and exercise. “I’ve learned to love working out. It’s no longer something I have to do—it’s something I want to do,” he says.
But the best part of his journey? “I can play with my daughter more now. I can do the things I love without getting tired or out of breath. That’s what matters most to me.”
Gaining and Losing: A Rollercoaster Ride
Like many people who embark on a weight loss journey, Ben’s path hasn’t been a straight line. After losing 95 pounds, he hit a bump in the road. In late 2024, Ben gained back 20 pounds, a result of recovery from shoulder surgery and a period of reduced physical activity. “It was a reminder that I had to keep being mindful,” he says. “But I’ve learned that it’s okay to have setbacks as long as you don’t give up completely.”
Ben’s experience highlights the importance of balance and the reality that weight loss and maintenance are ongoing processes. “It’s not about perfection. It’s about making the best choices you can, day after day,” he says.
The Mindset Shift: Health Over Appearance
One of the most powerful aspects of Ben’s transformation is his shift in mindset. The focus was never on looking a certain way—it was always about health, longevity, and quality of life. “I don’t care about fitting into a specific size or looking a certain way for the camera,” Ben states with conviction. “What matters is that I’m healthy, I feel good, and I can be there for the people I love.”
This mindset shift is what made his transformation sustainable. “It’s not just about the weight loss—it’s about creating habits that will stick with me for the long haul,” he explains.
A New Beginning: What’s Next?
As Ben continues his weight loss journey, he’s setting new goals for himself. “I’m focused on staying healthy and continuing to improve. I want to keep pushing myself, but I also want to enjoy life,” he says, looking forward to the future.
The next chapter for Ben is about maintaining the balance he’s worked so hard to create. With a renewed focus on health and happiness, he’s ready for whatever comes next. “I’m excited to see where this journey takes me,” he says, his smile wide and genuine.
FAQ
1. How much weight did Ben Napier lose? Ben lost 95 pounds as part of his health transformation journey.
2. What prompted Ben Napier to start his weight loss journey? Ben was motivated by his high blood pressure diagnosis and a desire to be healthier for his family. A shoulder surgery also gave him the opportunity to slow down and reassess his health.
3. How did Ben Napier lose the weight? Ben lost weight through a combination of healthier eating habits, including more protein and vegetables, and a consistent exercise routine that included strength training, HIIT, and yoga.
4. Did Ben Napier use any special weight loss methods or supplements? Ben focused on sustainable eating and exercise habits rather than using supplements or extreme diets. His journey was about making long-term lifestyle changes.
5. Has Ben Napier maintained his weight loss? While Ben regained 20 pounds after his surgery, he continues to stay focused on his health and is committed to maintaining his weight loss through balanced eating and regular exercise.
