She was just 22 years old and working as a TV programmer, but because of her obsession with her weight she soon lost confidence in herself in that job.
"I felt in over my head, like I wasn't good enough to be where I was. I was stuck in a really shitty spiral and feeling quite depressed about living so far away from my family," she said.
However, when she moved back to Auckland, she was finally able to overcome her obsession which came as a huge relief to herself and those around her. She says she's now at a stage where she's happy with who she is.
The model, brand ambassador, TV personality and now published author is currently planning her wedding with her Bachelor beau Art Green, after he proposed in Rarotonga in September.