[Drew]

Great post Drew and you are definitely not alone.
I've struggled and lost the war in the waistline spread many years ago, however, over the years I have managed to firstly come to terms with a bit of a belly and secondly I can actually loose some of it.
I've tried all sorts of diets, counting calories etc etc and none have worked for me.
The secret I found was a exercise (but this is really just for good health not for weight loss) and intermittent fasting.
I realised that on many days I would naturally miss lunch/dinner just becasue I was working and either dint't get time to eat or just forgot! Then I by chance saw a program on TV about intermittent fasting and realised that I could quite easily do this.
After doing some research on it which shows many different ways of intermittent fasting I decided to try a simple routine of 
1-day fasting (less than 1000calories)
2-3days normal eating
1-day fasting (less than 1000calories)
2-3days normal eating
etc
Of course I also cut out all the rubbish I was eating to such as snacks, biscuits etc.
What I found was that I could easily swap and change days around if needed and once I'd got into it, it was easy to do.
I also found planning your weekly meals a big help as this makes sure you have the food in and removes the temptation of 'oh what shall I eat tonight?'
The first time I did this regime I went from 98Kg down to 72Kg in about 5-months, then over the years my weight does creep back up, so I just repeat the regime and lose a few kilos.
I'm currently at 80Kg and want to get back down to 72kg so I am trying to get back onto my regime, although for some reason I am struggling this time to get into it.
However, now that I have started my NBE journey, this has given me more impetuous to crack on and do it, so for me it's fingers crossed - grow some breasts and lose my belly.
It is difficult but with perseverance and support it can be done safely and healthily.

Inermittent fasting does sound sensible and leaving out those comfort foods especially.

I just got to thinking that especially with PM a great many people here must like me be self medicating which isn't a good idea and possible may pose a risk to ones health. If some are willing to take that risk for results some may also be tempted to take bigger risks just hoping for the best.