Big Ed’s Inspiring Weight Loss Journey: From Heartbreak to Engagement with Liz Woods on ’90 Day Fiance’

The world of reality television, particularly the fan-favorite *90 Day Fiance* franchise, is often filled with drama, romance, and unexpected twists. Among its most recognizable stars, Big Ed, 56, has continually captivated audiences with his distinctive personality and rollercoaster love life. On November 10, the headlines buzzed with exciting news: Ed and his longtime girlfriend, Liz Woods, 29, were officially engaged! This significant milestone comes after a turbulent period in their relationship, marked by a highly publicized breakup during season 1 of *90 Day Fiancé: The Single Life*. Amidst the celebration, Ed recently spoke EXCLUSIVELY with HollywoodLife, pulling back the curtain on a profound personal journey – his remarkable weight loss transformation, revealing the emotional catalyst behind his impressive 25-pound change.

The reality star, known for his candidness, humorously (but genuinely) attributed his initial motivation to a broken heart. “The best way to lose weight is to get your heart broken,” Big Ed quipped, quickly adding, “I’m kidding. That’s actually a joke, but not a joke.” He reflected on past experiences, drawing parallels to a difficult period in his life. “When I went through my first divorce, which was really hard for me, I lost about 35 pounds. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep.” While he doesn’t recommend emotional distress as a weight loss strategy, he acknowledged its profound impact on his physical state. “I don’t recommend being hard on yourself when things don’t work out. It’s just, it wasn’t meant to be.” This introspective view highlights how profound emotional events can serve as unexpected catalysts for significant life changes, even if unintentional.

The breakup with Liz Woods, a central storyline in the inaugural season of *The Single Life*, proved to be another pivotal moment for Ed. “The breakup with Liz really kind of knocked me on my feet,” the professional photographer admitted. This emotional turmoil forced him to take a hard look at his life and well-being. “I realized that I wasn’t ready for any relationship. And I didn’t like how I looked. I just wasn’t happy with my appearance and I wasn’t happy with how I felt.” His candid admission resonates with many who struggle with self-image and health. Carrying an additional 40 pounds, as Ed described, was not just an aesthetic concern but a significant health issue impacting his overall well-being. “When you’re 40 pounds overweight, it doesn’t feel good.” He recognized the dual benefits of embarking on a fitness journey: improving physical health and boosting mental state. “So, from a health standpoint, as well as when you work out, you increase your amount of endorphins in your body, which really increases your positive outlook on life.” This holistic approach to health and happiness became the driving force behind his inspiring transformation.

Looking ahead to season 2 of *The Single Life*, Ed shared what he hopes fans will take away from his journey. “The biggest thing I want my fans to notice is that I took about six months and really worked on the ‘inner Ed.’” This period of introspection and self-improvement wasn’t just about shedding pounds; it encompassed a complete overhaul. “Not only the exterior, I cut my hair, I worked on my appearance, I’ve lost about 25 pounds.” However, the physical changes were merely a reflection of deeper work. Ed’s realization was profound: “But I realized that if I’m going to be in a committed relationship, based on all the struggles that I had with Liz, I have to work on myself.” This candid acknowledgement of personal responsibility is a testament to his growth. He embraced therapy, a vital step in understanding and improving himself. “And I’ve learned so much. I’ve grown so much through therapy that it helped me to be a better version of who I am.” He expressed his hope that viewers would witness this profound evolution. “So hopefully you’ll see that. I want my fans to see that Big Ed kind of grew up, you know?” This maturity and commitment to personal development are what truly define his transformation, making him a more rounded individual ready for a healthy partnership.

While Ed has already achieved significant weight loss, his journey is far from over. He articulated his future goals, aiming to lose an additional 15 pounds and, crucially, maintain his progress through diligent diet and exercise. “I kind of plateaued, but I definitely want to continue to go to the gym and lose weight,” he stated, acknowledging the common challenge of hitting a weight loss plateau. His approach is measured and realistic. “I would be happy to drop another 15 pounds but you know, you have to be real careful because when you drop a lot of weight right away it has a tendency of coming back sooner. So I’m just really focusing on my diet and my intake.” This reflects a mature understanding of sustainable weight management, emphasizing consistency and healthy habits over rapid, unsustainable changes. His commitment to a long-term healthy lifestyle underscores the depth of his transformation, moving beyond quick fixes to a dedicated regimen of fitness and mindful eating.

Ed further emphasized a universal truth about personal change: its motivation must be intrinsic. “I think the most important thing is that any transformation that you want to go through, that you take on, it really has to be for yourself,” Ed continued, offering valuable insight for anyone embarking on a similar path. He cautioned against external pressures as primary motivators. “It can’t be for somebody else and if you’re doing it for somebody else, it’s not going to work.” This powerful statement highlights the crucial role of self-love and personal conviction in achieving lasting results. His confidence in his sustained success stems directly from this principle. “So the reason why I know that this is going to work for me for the rest of my life is that I am doing it for myself.” This profound realization underscores the authenticity and resilience of Big Ed’s journey, making his transformation not just physical, but deeply rooted in self-respect and personal agency.

The story of Big Ed and Liz Woods is a testament to perseverance and second chances. Their initial connection blossomed during season one of the discovery+ spin-off *90 Day: The Single Life*, capturing the attention of millions. However, their relationship faced significant hurdles, leading to a heartbreaking split that left fans wondering if they would ever reconcile. Against all odds, the couple found their way back to each other during the filming of season two, demonstrating a rekindled spark and a deeper understanding of one another. Now, having navigated their past challenges and with Ed’s profound personal growth, they are not only reunited but ready to walk down the aisle and make things official. The engagement, announced on November 10, marks a triumphant chapter in their love story. HollywoodLife had the privilege of speaking with the happy couple, who joyfully confirmed the exciting news: “We are each other’s forever, and, yes, we are engaged!” This engagement symbolizes not just their love for each other, but also Ed’s successful journey of self-improvement, which has undoubtedly prepared him for a more stable and fulfilling partnership. Their story continues to unfold, proving that with personal dedication and renewed commitment, love can truly conquer all.

Don’t miss a moment of Big Ed and Liz’s journey, and witness Ed’s continued evolution, by catching Season 2 of *The Single Life* on discovery+.