I think that when it is combined with a commitment to having a healthy lifestyle it can be a good option.
I read something interesting about stool transplants and gut flora a while ago - they have been transplanting stool from the bowels of slim people into people who struggle with weight and finding that it can help weight loss and reduce diabetes risk so maybe that is a less drastic option.

That's my point, is my body capable of being pushed past its limit without killing me?
If you don't sweat and you don't hurt just a bit it's probably not going to work. Pushing yourself past your limit is how you gain strength and fitness.
If you push yourself you will learn to love the pain and the endorphin rush afterwards.