Apperance is a hotly debated subject in the seduction community, Id say yes its important but not as important to females as it is to us males. Females judge on appearance and social value. Would you be interested in a fat chick? Even if she had a great personality (which is usually the case)! How would you feel if you were skinny? More confident? Girls love confidence!
Working on yourself is what this forum and the seduction community is all about. Also your health should be a priorty to you. I myself lost nearly 25 pounds in the past two months by cutting my calories and following a sensable (too me not to some) workout plan. Went from 285 to just under 260, and I still want to lose 20 to 40 more pounds while getting more muscular
This is a great book for fitness I myself also follow the Max Contraction Training system.
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Science-Rese ... 636&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b_0_1 ... max+contra
This is a site which will help you with dieting
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/calneed
Althought I think you should count all your calories taken in for 5-7 days with out losing or gaining a pound divide by 5 or 7 (which ever # of days you counted for) subtract from that number at least 500 calories a day that should help you lose around a pound a week or more. Good luck AJG!