'I used to shop in the maternity section - then I lost half my body weight'

An obese woman who was forced to wear maternity clothes due to her size has shed half her body weight in a jaw-dropping transformation.

At just 18 years old, Melissa Mouawad was forced to wear size 24 maternity clothes as they were the only outfits that fit her 135kg (21st 3lbs) frame.

But the inspirational 29-year-old from Sydney is now healthier than ever after overhauling her diet and shedding an incredible 65kg (10st 5lbs) and dropping six dress sizes.

The executive assistant is now 70kg (11st) and a svelte size 10 - and more confident than ever.

“I would have to buy maternity clothes as they were the only pieces that would fit," Melissa said.

“They had the big elastic band in the waist. It was the only way I could be comfortable.

“It’s embarrassing to think about, but I had no other choice.

“I’ve always been obsessed with food and as a child would often sneak treats from the kitchen into my bedroom, so I could eat it later on. I’d binge on a dozen donuts, fast food, blocks of chocolate and soft drinks each night.

LISTEN: The Life Bites podcast on the trick to making new habits stick. (Post continues.)

“I think losing the weight gradually has really helped me to keep it off. It’s been far more sustainable. You have to want it really bad and just stay focused on your goals and happiness.

“Losing the weight was the best decision I ever made, and now I feel like I’m really living my life.”

Melissa's diet before:

Breakfast: Thick cut raisin toast with butter or banana bread with butter
Morning snack: Muesli bar
Lunch: McDonalds or pasta
Afternoon snack: Chocolate
Dinner: Takeout food - usually McDonalds or Hungry Jacks
Dessert: Block of chocolate and a tub of icecream

Diet after:

Breakfast: Two boiled eggs and an almond milk latte
Mid-morning snack: Apple
Lunch: Vegetable soup
Afternoon snack: Quest protein bar
Dinner: Large salad filled with vegetables, lean proteins, and fats such as olive oil, avocado and seeds.
Dessert: Full cream Chobani yoghurt with blueberries, or Halo Top