Suvechha Sarkar
Nefi Edwin Cerpa had always struggled with obesity. When he was first introduced in season 1, episode 10 of Lifetime’s ‘The 6000 Lb Diaries With Dr. Now,’ he revealed that he was overweight since birth. Things took a serious turn at 10 years old when his father was deported. Three years later, tragedy struck again when he learned that his father had passed away. The grief fueled his eating habits, and by the time he was 14, he already weighed 300 lbs. Another hurdle came forward when Nefi faced an infection caused by an injury that led him to stay at the hospital for three months. He was also paraplegic for two years due to the condition. Eventually, he became fearful of leaving the world at an early age. This led to the realization that something had to change, and he sought professional help.
Nefi Edwin Cerpa Underwent a Weight Loss Surgery Despite a Rocky Start
When Nefi Edwin Cerpa went in for his first appointment, he weighed 626.9 lbs. Dr. Nowzaradan learned that his mother, Ana, was enabling his eating habits. The doctor gave him a clear goal to lose 60 lbs in two months to qualify for weight loss surgery. He also assigned him a nutritionist and a therapist to assist him in dealing with the grief and trauma that had fueled his weight gain. However, Nefi soon found himself slipping into old habits and even missed his therapy appointment. Hence, when it was time for his second appointment, Dr. Nowzaradan became disappointed that he had lost only 7 lbs. He made it clear before Ana that extra food was dangerous and life-threatening for Nefi. The doctor again gave him the same goal and asked him to find a new job.
Nefi finally committed himself fully and sought therapy, which helped him not rely on his mom to prepare his meals. He gave her a break and took control of his diet. By the next weigh-in, he had brought his weight down to 553.1 lbs. It was a total loss of 66 lbs, surpassing Dr. Nowzaradan’s goal. Impressed by his effort, the doctor approved him for a weight loss surgery the following month, provided he lost 30 lbs more. By the fifth month of his journey, Nefi proved his determination again. He reached 519.4 lbs and was officially approved for the procedure. The surgery went by quite smoothly, and he was put on a strict liquid diet. One week into the 7-month mark, Nefi had brought his weight down to 463 lbs.
Nefi Edwin Cerpa is Likely Working Towards Becoming a Barber
After graduating from Nimitz High School, Nefi dreamt of becoming a Barber. Eventually, he enrolled at Premier Barber School in Houston, Texas, determined to make his dream a reality. While on the show, Dr. Nowzaradan encouraged him to find a job to stay active. Although in the beginning, he did not follow through, he later began balancing his studies and stepped up by taking a part-time job delivering packages. It was Nefi’s way of serving two purposes: helping his family pay the bills and getting indulged in physical activity, which he knew he needed.
By the sixth month of his weight loss journey, Nefi’s focus had shifted towards his barbering goals. He was already preparing for his licensing exam, having confidently passed a practice test. He had revealed that he would schedule his Barber exam for the State Board. Although the reality star did not publicly confirm whether he completed the exam or officially became a licensed barber, during the show’s final moments, Nefi shared that he had a promising Barber job opportunity lined up. Despite no further follow-up on his professional milestones, we hope he has continued pursuing his ambitions.
Currently, Nefi stays active on social media. While he has chosen to keep his Instagram account private, he showcases a lighter and humorous side of himself on Facebook, sharing funny posts, connecting with friends, and even selling used cars and tires as a side hustle. Still based in Houston, Texas, Nefi appears to have stuck with the disciplined routine. From what we can tell, he has possibly moved forward with a renewed sense of self-confidence, not just by adopting a healthy lifestyle but also by working toward building a great life for himself. In his free time, Nefi enjoys playing video games or listening to several types of music.
Nefi Edwin Cerpa’s Close-Knit Family Continues to Inspire His Transformation
Family has always been one of the biggest sources of strength in Nefi’s life. However, that strength was tested early when he faced heartbreak that shaped much of his journey. He was just 10 years old when his father was deported. He had also revealed that the distance he created himself later with his father heavily weighed on him. Nefi said he did not want his father to know about his weight gain. Hence, he often ignored his father’s video calls. It was a choice that he later admitted filled him with regret, especially because he never got the chance to see his father one last time before he passed away. Due to his father’s absence, Nefi has always been close to his mother, Ana.
When Nefi was hospitalized for three months, following an infection from a serious injury, it was Ana who stepped in to care for him in every way. Even as he struggled with his weight, she never left his side. However, when the doctor cautioned that her support did not mean enabling him anymore, she did not hesitate once. Anna adapted quickly, standing firm to help Nefi get through the complicated weight loss process. Whether it was attending appointments with him or talking to the therapist together and encouraging him, she always ensured Nefi never felt alone. The reality star also shares an incredibly close bond with his younger brother, Saul.
Their relationship was highlighted in a memorable moment near the show’s end, when they went on a hike together. Saul didn’t miss the chance to tell Nefi just how proud he was of him for taking the right steps. Furthermore, friendship has remained another steady part of his life. The reality star shares a strong connection with his long-term friend, Flor. They often spend time together, enjoying each other’s company. She even accompanied him to the doctor’s appointments during his operation. With family and his close friends on his side, there is real hope that Nefi will continue to move forward and stay true to the path he worked so hard to build.
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