Perhaps predictably, the story blew up like a Midwestern waistline. Maria Kang pulled down more than a million page views in less than a week. She drew both heartfelt support, more than few shallow "admirers" and a fair amount of critics. Media outlets around the globe picked up the story.

Some went so far as to accuse her of being a bully, or "fat shaming," since apparently that's an actual term.

It's odd, on one hand, that in a country built on competition, whether it's on Wall Street or a football field, that we cry "foul" so pathetically when someone calls us out. These are probably the same people who want every kid in little league to walk away with an award.

There's also the actual issue here – the elephant in the room, as it were. I know I've written about obesity a lot in the past, and most recently right here.

But it's more than a political – or even philosophical – issue at this point. It's a simple, practical matter. As more of us take on more responsibility for our own health care – from preventative measures to treatment decisions to actually paying our own bills, addressing this obesity epidemic has never been more important for more people.

Yeah, I know it sucks to agree with the First Lady, but she's right on this one. And I better not see any of my fellow "personal responsibility" champions out there argue against this one. There's no better, or more timely, example I can think of these days.

But back to Maria Kang. She offered a tempered apology that I can't resist running here, because she sums it up so well. Wonder if we can get her to come to Colorado Springs for our Benefits Selling Expo?

"I'm sorry you took an image and resonated with it in such a negative way. I won't go into details that I struggled with my genetics, had an eating disorder, work full time owning two businesses, have no nanny, am not naturally skinny and do not work as a personal trainer. I won't even mention how I didn't give into cravings for ice cream, French fries or chocolate while pregnant or use my growing belly as an excuse to be inactive….

"With that said, obesity and those who struggle with health-related diseases is literally a 'bigger' issue than this photo. Maybe it's time we stop tip-toeing around people's feelings and get to the point. So What's Your Excuse?"