By Taylor LeBaron
My Life as an Obese TeenOne hot Atlanta day, my middle school class went on a nature walk, picking up trash along the way. I tried to keep up, but after about 25 yards, I started panting and sweating. My leg muscles ached from the unusual strain, and I thought I might pass out from heat exhaustion. My teacher saw that I was struggling and asked if I was OK. I shook my head, and he stopped the entire group so I could rest.
I was humiliated when my class crowded around to see if they could help. It was a miserable day.
After school, Mom asked, “How was your nature walk?”
“Fine,” I told her. “We had a great time.” As an obese kid, you learn to be a good actor.
Most obese teens live double lives, just like I did. At home, they’re happy and outgoing. At schoo...