While there were some people grumbling about how the availability of plus-size clothes at mainstream outlets would prevent people from doing anything about their weight,

Grrrr! That's so dumb! If you don't have flattering clothes, you won't go out as much. And if you don't go out and get moving, you'll never lose weight. Plus, some people *can't* lose weight (due to screwy metabolisms). And some people are OK with being heavier. I think that feeling better about the way you look is better motivation toward being healthy and active (whether or not that involves losing weight).