6 months ago I was obese. I'm educated so you'd think I'd know better but I couldn't translate that into action. Physical education at my school was chasing a ball of one kind or another. If you weren't on the team you were left to your own devices. I'm fond of dance but it wasn't enough. It was only when I found an activity I could enjoy(tai chi) that I got the motivation to do more. I started cycling to work, I started the C25K running program and I signed up to myfitnesspal and started reducing what I ate. It's not hard now but it was hard. I've now lost nearly 3 stone and can run around 10 miles. Oh, and I can stiil eat substantial meals.
Most other people can do what I did but need to have the motivation and information. Here's what to do: don't blame your glands unless your doctor does, start exercising by taking a half hour walk, start logging your calories and see what you can cut down on (eg latte, sugary drinks) without going hungry. Don't expect drastic results, it will take a long time.
Really, I'm non-athletic, lazy and weak-willed but if I can do it almost anyone can.