Courtney Isbell, 22, was nervous about meeting Rick Fowler, 28, in person after a three-month online courtship, but they’ve been joined at the hip ever since that first face-to-face encounter. And in 2005, he popped the question.
Courtney and Rick are one of the engaged couples starring on the new reality show Fat Free Fiances on the Style Network.
Courtney and Rick come from similar Irish Catholic backgrounds and are passionate about music and food -- but admit that food is both a joy and a danger for them.
Back in 2006 while they were on vacation in Las Vegas, Courtney was rushed to the hospital because she was in excruciating pain. After a scary misdiagnosis, it became clear that Courtney’s lung had collapsed following a bout with pneumonia. Her doctor later confirmed that her weight most likely contributed to her condition.
Health fears aside, money is also a major concern for this couple. Courtney and Rick have been scrimping and saving for their entire engagement. Rick is the rare groom that’s taken an active role in planning their big day, while Courtney is busy stressing about how she looks in her dress and wondering if anyone will come to their wedding -- she admits both insecurities are tied to her weight.
These two have different eating styles, but the same issue: Eating is their only active outlet. Both would like to lose 40 pounds by their wedding day, but first they have to figure out what’s driving them to eat, and what they’re willing to permanently change in their lives to ensure their happily-ever-after.
-- Charli Penn
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