I was a fat teenager until I decided to put away the excuses [5'11" @ 225lb] - and tackle the concept as a grown-up - fat is not just "how you are" or "your body type" - but rather the result of all your life choices.  Lost 50 pounds in 3 months. Wouldn't believe how many people asked me what my "secret" was - diet, exercise. I tried to 'recruit' my friends to healthy lifestyles.  It's not impossible, but many don't have the willpower - I could spot them from a mile across the room now. An early example, I was going to get one kid to go to the gym with me, and the day before, I see him just gulping down candy. Said he wanted one last "binge day" before starting to work out.  I knew he was a slouch - he went one time and quit.  Any idiot can watch an action movie and get motivated one time or something - it's exciting, it's a challenge. But diet isn't as dramatic - it's forgoing petty indulgences and it requires day-to-day consistency. Anybody I see that can't handle that - not worth my time. Wish fatpeoplehate was around when I was in hs & college.