I don't have time to respond to all the comments in this thread, but a couple of quick points:I have learned by now that it is hopeless to expect anyone in the "aesthetic issues are moral issues" camp to ever address this point, but nonetheless...
the obesity myth
You may remember the JAMA study which showed that the range of weight generally defined as "overweight" (as opposed to normal, underweight, or obese) was actually associated with the best.
I've been meaning to comment on the odious comments of MeMe Roth (see Lindsay and zuzu), but Professor B. beats me to it, cutting to the heart of the issue:This.