I try not to overthink stuff like this. If I want to lose weight I simply eat less than I burn, and if I want to gain weight it’s just the opposite. But there are so many other factors and variables, like doing vigorous exercise for at least 30-60 minutes each day, (or at least 5x per week), getting quality sleep, eating a well balanced diet and minimizing saturated fats, salt and sugar intake, not smoking and ideally little or no alcohol.
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No beer!
I used to have a can of Old Speckled Hen, or something, early evening then a couple of glasses of red wine with dinner. Now: no beer, one glass of wine before dinner and water with dinner.
I’m happy with that, and I’ve lost a bit of weight.
This graph charts my weight over the last 12 months. For the first 9 months I was restricting calories and fats. For the last 3 I’ve been restricting carbs only.
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Brilliant work Ralph, and yes, those carbs certainly do the damage. If you don’t expend them as energy they get stored for later…Good if you’re going to run a marathon, bad if you are going to spend your time on the forum or watching box sets…
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Thanks Rob & you’re spot on about the energy storage.
When I calculate by BMI it says
“The best weight for your height is between 52.9 kilograms and 71.4 kilograms.” 
That sounds a bit excessive to me, I think I’d look like a skeleton with a skin graft. 
My target is 75 kg, if I can reach that I’ll be over the moon 
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Dieting dosnt really work long term, making lifestyle changes is what works. 4 years ago i weighed 16.7 stone. I knew my weight was affecting my health and had to do something about it. I was recommended Noom by a friend who had been very successful. I now weigh 8.5 stone following their mindful eating programme. Exercise helped so much too. I decided to train as a fitness instructor and nutritional consultant, qualified last year and run seated fitness classes for over 50’s. My passion is to help and inspire others to make lifestyle changes to reach their health goals. I love my job so much.
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Not rocket science. Eat more than you burn, you’ll gain weight. Eat less than you burn, you’ll lose weight.
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if only …
There are many unfortunate souls who can’t lose weigh, no matter how hard they try. And a few that can’t gain weight. We’re all different, thankfully, and some have health conditions and/or medication side effects that help confuse the issue.
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If you want to lose weight it’s the activity that counts as well as the diet. UniGeezer is right.
I was a fit runner but as a courier I was putting on a few pounds around the middle. Sat in the van all day. Since I became a postman covering about 8 miles 5 days per week, and then training on my days off I removed all the surplus fat and took off a stone just like that…I even knocked ten minutes off my half marathon times…
I mostly eat chicken, egg whites, and lots of fresh greens. I’m also doing intermittent fasting. I barely exercise, but surprisingly, it actually works!”
Bet that’s a bit of a blast 
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The yolk is the best bit,
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Hi
The boring scientist strikes again.
The only diet which works is the ELEM diet.
Eat Less Exercise More.
Simples
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If it’s edible, I eat it…
It really isn’t that simple swimfeeders.
Hi
It really is that simple, you have got to use up more calories than you take in.
The are many different ways of achieving this, often depending on any medical conditions you may have.
I was on a strict low fat diet, now that is out of the door and now on a high protein , low salt, fluid restricted diet.
No more bacon but I can now have eggs.
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It really isn’t that simple?
Fundamentally I agree with what you say, maybe I’m looking at the bigger picture as far as society is concerned 
Yes, society has got a bit bigger
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i agreed.