Now Melnick is two inches taller and more than 30 pounds lighter.
Orthotics in his shoes, recommended by Dr. Eric Ricefield, eliminated Melnick's foot pain.
With his new transformation this summer, Melnick played sports nearly around the clock.
"I'd go out at 10 in the morning, and come back at 10 at night," he said.
With no more foot pain and with less weight, Melnick was able to play baseball and football this year. He also made the basketball team.
Another improvement, his schoolmates no longer tease him, and he has many new friends.
Melnick says eating less and moving more was hard at first, but it got easier over time.
Despite the struggle, he says the journey is worth it for anyone.
"If you want to lose weight, there's no holding you back. Just get started," he said.
Melnick says he doesn't need the orthotics in his shoes anymore but if he does need them again, he won't hesitate to use them.
