When Raegan Katene started getting bullied in year 10, she turned to food for comfort.

At 16 years-old, she tipped the scales at 104 kilograms.

Katene, now 18, said her lowest point was when she was told after a medical exam that she was morbidly obese.

David Unwin Raegan Katene, 18, lost 36 kilograms in 2015 through healthy eating and exercise.

"I kind of just ate my way to happiness.

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SUPPLIED Raegan Katene has been asked to speak at gyms to inspire others with her story.

"Then, after that happened I had no self-confidence, no self-esteem, I just lost everything."

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Wearing size 18-20 clothing was the biggest Katene had ever been and she woke up one morning and realised she wanted to change. Over the next 12 months, she went on to lose 36 kilograms.

It started with switching schools to Queen Elizabeth College where Katene discovered their Service Academy programme, which is a military style fitness programme.

This aligned with what she wanted to do with her life, as Katene hopes to join the Navy or Air Force this year, and also helped with her fitness goals.

After switching schools in 2015 she jumped in feet first, cutting out all lollies and fizzy drinks and increasing her exercise.

"I went out and bought new shoes, new things I aimed to fit into."

Her eating habits had now changed forever.

"I'm moderate about what I eat. I eat three meals a day and I don't skip meals, which was my biggest problem.

"I don't eat lollies anymore."

Katene said she would occasionally have a chocolate bar as a treat but for the most part she had discovered a love for fresh produce.

"I love eating vegetables and making [meals with] fresh produce. I really enjoy it.

"I never used to, but now I do."

She said the difference losing the weight had made to her lifestyle was outstanding.

"I had no energy when I was unfit.

"Now I'm energetic, I want to get up and do things. I want to go for a run, I want to be here doing what I love."

Her workout routine had her training four to five times a week with the Service Academy at school as well as doing her own running before and after school.

"When I first started for the first four to five weeks it was like why am I doing this, can I just give up now."

But she persisted and said she was now happy to be where she was at.

Her advice to others was to set small goals.

"It might be lose 2kg, it might be 5kg, but as soon as you start seeing results… it gets easier. The goals get enjoyable and every time the new goal gets achieved you set a new goal."

After losing so much weight she said her new goal was to get her fitness up for when she applied for the Defence Force.