Following a diet just to lose weight is incredibly difficult to follow long term, even when the weight lost initially is substantial. Hence yo yo dieting, which is detrimental to health. The only way that I was motivated was for health reasons. Cutting out sugar is not easy, but this is how it will be for the rest of my life. I do feel better, thanks to HRT, diet, feeling well enough to do exercise ( gentle yoga and walking) therapy and coaching. Looking better is just the icing on the cake.