I understand what you're saying, but to a lot of people it isn't just about what people think of them. It's about what they think of themselves. I know that when I was overweight, no matter what anyone else said to me I felt bad about myself. I simply didn't look good, and it saddened and frustrated me. Losing weight the way I did was one of the most liberating expereiences of my life: People, please don't shy away from it because others reduce it to peer pressure, or tell you you're too young to start. I agree there's too early an age for weight lifting, but most teens are beyond that, and cardio is always helpful. (shadesofcai@hotmail.com)