I agree mostly with what your article. I think it boils down to total calories, activity level, genetics, and insulin resistance. Hormones and medications have to be checked on top of that.

The only thing that has worked for me is low-carb dieting with intermittent fasting. Low-carb alone didn't work, but combining that with intermittent fasting has done the trick. It's easier to fast when you eat less carbs (less cravings).

My cholesterol was always abnormal and now it is normal. I dropped my LDL by intermittent fasting. Low-carb eating increased my HDL and decreased my triglycerides. Same goes for my blood pressure.

I dropped 24 pounds this year fairly easily doing those 2 things. I wasn't even overweight, and now I weigh less than I did 30 years ago with a flat stomach to boot!