The desire to get fit has to come from within, says [Gina Sunderland], noting that most weight-loss success stories happen after some sort of epiphany. "That's definitely [Willy]'s first step in the right direction," she says. "He's known for a long time that he's overweight but until this milestone in his life hasn't really made it a priority.

Willy's plan to ban McDonald's from his life could set him up for failure, considering that fast-food joints have been such a major part of his routine. "To think that you're never going to go to the Golden Arches again for the rest of your life is simply, I believe, not realistic," says Sunderland, noting that Willy should instead figure out how to occasionally incorporate small portions of fast food into his diet.

Willy's initial exercise plan involved vigorously tackling cardio. Though [Leeona Bond] says cardio is essential in burning calories and fat, weight training is also important. That's because lean muscle helps the body burn fat even when it's resting. "Muscle is your body's furnace," says Bond.