How bullying and heartbreak inspired an obese girl to start her fitness journey

Lyka May Nebres, who lost about 50 pounds in five months, is a #fitspiration for young girls.

Like many inspiring weight loss stories, it took some life-changing experiences for Lyka to start her fitness journey.

It was bullying and heartbreak that motivated Lyka to become fit and healthy.

Ever since she was a child, Lyka admitted she always ate fast food, fried food, sweets, fatty food, pasta and bread.

In college, Lyka said that these "bad" eating habits intensified.

"Nung college po ako, mahilig po kasi akong kumain sa fast food. So nakaka-two to three cups of rice po ako doon. Ganun po, tapos mahilig pa po sa sweets. Halos kapag bago ako pumasok sa school kailangan po may iced coffee kasi puyat din po ako sa gabi, ganun. Nagtatago ako ng chocolate every time na may exam po," she said during an episode of Pinoy MD.

Because of this, Lyka's weight shot up to 176 pounds, which was medically classified as "obese" for her height. Lyka stands five feet tall.

During her school days, Lyka was bullied by her peers because of her weight.

"Noong sobrang taba ko po, hindi ko na rin nasusuot yung mga gusto kong damit, [yung] mga sexy, ganun...Mahirap po talaga 'pag nagkamali sa size. Sayang 'yung pera," Lyka said, adding that she would often compare her body to thin and "sexy" women on social media.

In September 2018, Lyka's then-boyfriend broke up with her.

"Feeling ko malaking impact yung weight ko kung bakit ako iniwan...Kasi ang taba taba ko na po talaga eh. Parang manang na po ako tignan. Parang hindi na po ako dalaga, unlike yung mga ibang babae diyan ampapayat, sexy," Lyka said.

It was during her school vacation that Lyka decided to change her eating habits and start exercising.

"Doon ko po naisip na wala naman po akong pagkakaabalahan. Bale bakasyon naman po. Start nalang po i-focus po sa sarili ko," she said.

She first changed her diet, as she ate food that was low in carbohydrates. Three months later, she started to go to the gym.

"Once a week po kasi busy po ako sa school. Sinimulan ko na pong mag-exercise like zumba po. Tapos nag-ra-random exercise po ako nang cardio, ganun. Squats po for butt," she said.

Two months later, Lyka lost 50 pounds after regularly going to the gym and eating well.

"Nagugulat na ang mga tao...Sinasabi nila na ang ganda mo na, ang payat mo na. Ang sexy sexy mo na. From baboy, ang tawag na nila sa akin, sexy," Lyka said.

Even after she reached her weight goal, she still maintains a healthy lifestyle.

Lyka, who now has a new boyfriend, believes in the mantra, "No pain, no gain."

"Kailangan po paghirapan po nila. Kailangan determinado po sila na hindi po sila susuko para lang po makamit po nila yung gusto nila," she said.

—Angelica Y. Yang/JCB, GMA News