Vince your so right. I NEVER wanted to leave the house, well except to get food at a drive through or eat in a restaraunt. Never set foot on the beach (only a few miles away).
Yesterday there was a man that came to the gym with a female pro bber (she isnt famous but none the less a pro, I think she is). He was grossly overweight. He got on the treadmill and could barely walk but he was trying. I remember what it was like to be big like that. As I was done running, I gave him a smile, you could tell he was embarrassed or something to that effect. I knew how embarrased I felt the first few months going into the gym, but loosing the weight and keeping at it, well to say the least was a big accomplishment. You get your self esteem back, and Im sorry overweight people IMO suffer from this.
Depression does play a key role. I think most overweight people are emotional eaters. And those who keep it off, same thing, you just know you cant do that anymore. It's tough for sure.