Fat People?

I have a fat friend, he is about 5 10, maybe 250 or 275lbs. I am figuring he must be pretty strong to be lugging that weight around everyday like its nothing to it. He is about to begin an exercise program of weight lifting and cardio to lose weight.
My question is are former fat people stronger than most simply because they are used to the extra weight they used to carry? Is an ex 300 pounder who is now a trim solid 200 lbs stronger than someone whos normal weight is 200lbs?

Your 300 lb. friend is likely strong enough to carry around 300 lbs. all day. When he loses weight, he will likely lose at least some muscle along with some fat. I don't think it's unusual for an ex-300 lb. person who is now 200 lbs. to be stronger than average, particularly if they exercised and dieted in such a way as to try and preserve muscle.

-S- http://www.kbnj.com