Ackland Boys, Keeping Fit, Sun Media (Jan. 1, 2007)

Justin Ackland has a witty comeback for anyone who suggests he’s not in shape. “I am in shape,” he insists. “My tummy’s round. Round’s a shape.” It’s a humorous retort borrowed from Garfield, the lovably rotund comic-strip cat. It’s also likely a defensive reply that masks the pain that the overweight 11-year-old has had to endure for as long as he can remember. Justin’s mom, Michelle, recalls the day her son – then just five years old – asked her if he needed to go on a diet.