You know, I think it's fantastic that you guys are doing this and promoting other people to challenge themselves. Let me input a couple things just to give this a bigger push.
I was pretty overweight a couple of years ago. To the point where most people, including myself, can barely recognize older photos. In about a year's time I went from 240 or so pounds to around 185. Losing weight is not impossible and actually a lot easier than most people think. Here's my points that may or may not have already been covered:
1) Find an inspiration in your life. I found it in two areas. One, I looked at all the overweight people around me complaining that they'll never have a good looking, amazing girl and that "nice guys finish last". I was tired of hearing it so I decided I was going to need to offer a nice in-shape body on top of personality if I was to ever hope for the same in return. It's only fair, really. Second, I started reading the book Musashi, which tells the tale of Miyamoto Musashi. His life (or legend) inspired me deeply. If other people can find something in their life that makes barriers that seem impossible suddenly possible, do so! This one is crucial I find.
2) Get started. This sounds loony, but it's the biggest one. I find just sitting around and thinking "hmm, making myself go through the pain of push-ups..." to be difficult, so just like swallowing a pill, you have to stop pussyfooting around and do it. This means knowing yourself. You have to sort of take control of your own will and start doing shit. It's like magic though, because doing something for two weeks and your body will WANT to keep doing it. You'll be sitting down and going "damn, I could go for a run right now" where two weeks earlier you were saying "damn, I need to sit down".
3) Water! Every time you leave the house/apartment, carry a tiny bottle of water with you. I always found myself munching or sipping on anything that was nearby, might as well make that water. The added benefit is you won't overeat, because you have no room to do so if you have water in your belly. This is a really good trick to be honest.
4) Clear your mind at the end of every excercise. I used to do martial arts and my sensei always had a small portion of semi-meditation at the end of the class. It's not really spiritual, more as a reward to yourself and to allow yourself a clear moment. Work like mad then sit down with either legs crossed or, if you can, under your bum and close your eyes. Sit there for a minute in absolute silence. I have known lots of people that say this one minute is probably the best part of their week
5) OH! One more thing I have to stress - STRETCH. God dammit, this is so important. Add like an extra minute to whatever you think is already too much stretching and you're on track. You will be so thankful that you've stretched both before and after your workout, at least I found it was essential for living a normal life without aches.
Good luck to everyone. I'm developing a bit of gut even though I'm skinny and I'm trying to work it off right now
