As a relative newcomer, Andy directed me to this thread after I just posted something in Introductions. This may prove to be an unpopular post.

Its interesting to see how the discussion ultimately drifts to intolerance and implied discrimination. I for one, believe people will discriminate against you if your overweight and you're not likely to change that - unless you change yourself.

I've seen a lot of inferences about metabolism and genetics. Well, I don't really believe that's the root cause of being very overweight for most people. Now I suppose I'm going to get it here, but if you stop and think about it, somehow, the body tries to balance caloric intake with use. Its not too hard to figure out what goes wrong when you gain weight.

The real issue is health of course, but looking good is very good too. The problem is the two issues are interrelated. Health Canada warns that a waist size of over 40" (for men I think) is a real danger and the incidence of fatal disease increases dramatically for such people.

But what I'm really struck by is the acceptance by many in this thread that is your personal happiness that counts and that weight targets are simply that, targets. Well, I supppose people addicted to alcohol and cocain use the same tortured logic. I think your selling yourselves short. Yes, as previous posts reverberate: we're all adults, you can make choices, its your life.
That's the point really, it is your life - don't give up on it.