[CliffordK]

Good point about obsessing with food.

The social connection with obesity is supposed to be as strong as any familial connection (which, of course, carries its own family dynamics).

I have never been more than 20 or 30 lbs overweight, but even so, it has been a bit of extra butter to carry with me, and I can feel some things such as an increased risk of knee problems.

There are a few things that help...
I avoid buying candy, and as little as possible "ready to eat" food.  It is much better if one has to actually prepare the food. 

And, of course, diet, + exercise + an active lifestyle.
Lots of fruit and veggies helps.  Although, it is easy to go overboard during the summer season.  Personally I think blackberries are an excellent diet food for the late summer as they are mainly juice and indigestible seed (which is filling, but not fattening).

A little meat gives a good balanced protein, but keep the proportions small.  A chunk of stew/cubed meat is great.

Make a goal...  including activities one would like to do if one looses the weight.  But, don't obsess over it either.

A little "overshooting" of the goal may help some too.