Do you think it is possible that with poorly functioning liver, thyroid, lack of stomach acid, poor metabolism, as I believe are some of my issues, that over the years toxins [chemical, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, environment, etc.] would not be removed from the body or not be removed quickly enough therefore resulting in excess fat accumulation as a protection mechanism to the body to protect it from too many toxins?

Yipes, that was a mouthful.

More simply put, I've heard that excess fat is often a protection against too many toxins in the body. Therefore, until the toxins are removed, the fat will not budge.

What say you, O wise one. :)

Yes.

Wise ones use very few words.

Just kidding. When the liver reaches its saturation point it cannot process any excess toxins. So in order to protect itself the body converts the excess toxins in to fat for storage until the liver has the opportunity to process those toxins. This is why people can get so sick when they go on fasts. As the body starts breaking the fat down for a fuel source the toxins are released back in to the bloodstream leading to toxicity. So cleansing the liver and water are great aids in reducing body fat.