The biggest problems in the US are lack of exercise and portion control. I ride an exercise bike with a programmable "route" varying speeds and intensity every morning. For portion control I have a "special" bowl I use for cereal in the morning, measured once so I fill it to get 3/4 to 1 cup of cereal. Lunch is a single hot dog or burger. A yogurt or apple for an afternoon snack and supper. Eat what you want, but only fill the plate once except for veggies. I use a 9 inch plate and none of the food is to touch any other food. This make the portions right and easy to remember.
I lost 25 pounds in 3 months. The best thing is as you get use to eating this way it becomes the way you eat. No more huge meals, no more snacking around the clock. Drink plenty of water and you wont feel like your depriving your self of anything. I have another 25 to go. I'm hoping by the end of summer Im down to where I want to be.