I have a unexpected benefit to being fat... something I've only noticed now that I've lost 20 lbs... WRINKLES! Seriously, fat "smooths" out the wrinkles on my face. I've lost 20 lbs and lo and behold, there are LINES on my face. Not dramatic (YET! I still have 20-30lbs to go!!!!), but enough that I'm buying some wrinkle cream next week and getting serious about it!

As for barriers, I don't have any conscious or subconsious ones... I want to be thin again, I hated that the fertility medications and poor medical advice on diet caused me to gain the weight I have... I have a husband who loves me when I'm fat, but would be so much happier when I am fit and healthy so that he knows we'll be together longer.

I too saw that Dr. Phil thing, and yes, I guess I could see someone using fat as a shield from the world... but in that case a weight loss program won't work for them, therapy would be wiser to do...you know?

Blessings!