So I have never had a huge problem with my weight even if cutting weight for Wrestling in High School was not really good for me.
Overall I also have had the advantage till the last couple of years of having active jobs. From the army to working at the DOT I have generally spent most of my work days in the field. This changed with my last promotion and I am generally more office bound these days.
One thing that has caught up to me is that I am over 30 and I have had to adjust my eating habits. I can no longer down 2 big macs, fries and drink with out consequences. This with a less active job have caused me to change to my diet.
So smilpe thing is that making your own spice mixs for tacos, meats and other food can really help cut down on salt intake. While McCormick makes some good rubs they load in the salt. The next thing is that buying better quality meat can help. Ground beef is a big one. While the price is tempting for the 70/30 Chubb that leaner 93/7 is much better. I also have started eating less fried food and have retired my deep fryer for a new air fryer. It works surprisingly well and you don't lose the taste.
I will second that exercise needs to be more engaging then just hitting the gym. I hike, hunt and mountain bike as my outdoor activities. Most weekends you can see me hitting a state park. It can be a lot of fun. A lot of them have some historical stuff and miles of hiking trails with great views. It is also a cheap hobby compared to most. A season pass and making your own lunch can make an entire day cost less than a trip to the movies.
I also compete with my sisters over Fitbit and we have done a marathon for the last five years together. This gives me a real goal to work towards and helps keep the motivation going. It also let's us siblings stay in contact despite not living that close together anymore.
Terry Crews also has a some decent advice for some one struggling to start
TREAT THE GYM LIKE A SPA.
Yes. It has to feel good. I tell people this a lot - go to the gym, and just sit there, and read a magazine, and then go home. And do this every day.
Go to the gym, don't even work out. Just GO. Because the habit of going to the gym is more important than the work out. Because it doesn't matter what you do. You can have fun - but as long as you're having fun, you continue to do it.
But what happens is you get a trainer, your whole body is sore, you can't feel your legs, and you're not coming back the next day - you might not come back for a year!
I worked my way up to 2 hours a day. I ENJOY my workouts. They are my peace, my joy - I get my whole head together! I value that time more than my shower! And it really gets me together. But it's a habit.
There are times when - I'm not even kidding - there are times when I"m in the middle of a work out, and actually woke up because i am so engrained with going to the gym and being there - it's that much of a habit to me. The first thing I do in the morning is work out - I lay out my workout clothes the night before, and just hop in 'em.
So lay out your clothes, and go to the gym, and relax.
HaAHAHAH!
As for the body Positively movement. The best I can say is that it started with good intentions but the road to hell and all that.
I think that the consent messaging that you should be fit in schools is a good thing. Also that Amercia may have slid to far towards England's banning ads because they make fat people feel bad addtuide. But at the same time we don't want to go on the Japan route. There is a middle ground that can be reached.
I think the best way is to promote healthier foods, education in how to make them with bringing back home ec. Also focus on more hobby sporting then even the level of High School varsity sports. Not everyone needs to be a fitness God but cutting the obesity rate in half should be a major goal at a minimum.