Not as disheartening or demotivating as dieting with a target body shape in mind, achieving it, rejoicing, and being right back where you were before the diet 6 months later.
When you start eating less, you’re body adapts after consistent dosage, and you will no longer feel as hungry. The OP is wrong, as in the long term you’re quality of life that can be derived from food is no different.
Yes, perhaps in the short term you will experience cravings/withdrawal, but this is temporary.
Source: it me.