Yes we all make our choices but sometimes it is the comments and actions of others that force us to make those choices.
Many people have a weight problem purely down to being a lone and comfort eating. Then in turn you become overweight and hate yourself for it, to me body image and self image are very much connected. When you are low and feeling bad about your weight and others make hurtful comments it is just reinforcing that others see you the way you feel about yourself, then what is left a chocolate bar to make you feel better or suicide?
To be able to lose the weight and regain your self esteem you need to be strong and have some kind of support, not everyone has this!

People with weight problems do need understanding, people who discriminate or make fun of overweight people do not, there is no excuse for it and it's never exceptable. I have no idea why people can be so cruel but i certainly do not believe they do it out of fear.