I have lost 70 pounds over the past four years. It’s been slow, it’s been up and down, and I recognize that I will have to count calories and keep active the rest of my life, and that’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for health and longevity. I’m restricting calories. that’s the crux of it. There’s days when I go over my calories, but it works because on most days I stay within my range. Calorie restriction does work, but what doesn’t work is the idea that any temporary lifestyle changes is going to lead to permanent change.