[arkh]

"Furthermore, how to not be obese is not really a solved problem."

Make your body absorb less calories than it uses. The simplest (not easiest) way is then to eat less. Most people who have "tried to lose weight" but did not manage it just tried lightly. They tried every new miracle weight loss program thinking 50lb could be lost fast before summer.

The thing is there are no miracle cure: you have to learn what has plenty of calories and eat or drink less of it. You have to learn to say no to food. You have to learn that throwing excess food is ok once you're done eating (which is the main problem for people coming from low income environment I think). For people who eat as a way to curb their depression, you also have to work on this illness if you want them to lose weight. You may also have to cut contact with family or friend who will sabotage you (crab in a bucket mentality).