...most people weigh less than that
Thinking back on my time in 152s I realize that none of the instructors were even average size, never mind large. In fact most were skinny young hour builders of maybe 120lbs at most. I guess that was no accident. If the instructor and student are light enough it's a good choice -- cheap, easy to maintain and not so demanding it intimidates a beginner.
And if you have a MAUW issue you also want to avoid the hottest time of day, both to get off the ground and to avoid the worst bumps. I have flown a 152 out of Scottsdale AZ late in the morning and unless you were planning to practice thermalling it is not the best idea.