[spaypets]

I, too, fail to see how being obese made one inconsiderate.

I have been on both sides of the weight issue. I have been fat and I am now thin. Truth be told, thin is better--because I am proud of what I've accomplished.

I also thank my lucky stars that I have a normal metabolism that responds properly to diet and exercise. I know, from my brief stint as a Weight Watcher's leader, that some people really do metabolize simple carbohydrates differently and it makes it more challenging to lose weight.

I was also blessed with being raised in a household where healthy eating habits were emphasized. It wasn't difficult for me to concentrate on eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables because I was raised that way. I didn't have the emotional commitment to fried foods or desserts that others have.

Losing weight is at least 75 percent mental--You have to want to do it to do it. And the heavier you are, the longer your road. It takes work and motivation and if you don't have either, it's really really hard. Even harder is sticking with the plan long after you've lost the weight. Without the weekly lift from seeing smaller numbers on the scale, it's easy to slip up.