Personally I agree with mathgirl kids can be very cruel, especially when it comes to over weight.But the only thing I want to stress is the fact to get behind the real issue as to why they are over weight.Like spyrul has pointed out it could be a genetic disorder,stress(due to varios factors which can cotribute to this),there could also be an illness which might cause them to have to take medicine like cortisone which will definitely increase weight gain if used for a long period of time.I personally have someone using cortisone on a daily basis and I can tell you it is hell for her.Everybody is of the assumption that it is because of a eating disorder that she has gained such a lot of weigt .I think each case should be evaluated on merit and not just because of looks.I fully support physical education if you are a healthy person.You can only benefit from it.

My simpathy to all overweight people because I live with such a person,and it is a daily battle just to motivate them to also feel dignified and good about themselves.Love them for the person they are and stop judging them by their looks.

regards
vanman