After doing a lot of research for over-weight injured workers you would be so much better joining Weight Watchers. They have the best record for weight reduction, they have recipes, counselors, etc. I am not affiliated with them I have just done the research. And once you start to lose weight people will ask you how you are doing it and you can invite them to meetings. My husband has been doing it for 2 years now and he is keeping his weight off too. (He lost over 70 lbs.) He goes to the same meeting every week, has the same people most of the time, they even have a Facebook page just for their group. It really is conducive for friends signing up together.
WW does not condone fat shaming - no one knows what you weigh unless you want them to know. They don't announce who gained.
Good luck!