8 years ago I tried to get to my HS wt of 165. I was over 190. I would run on treadmill every day for 30+ min (miserable) and lift Wts every day. I would eat "fairly well" M-F and the weekends were my reward. I think I got to 176 but that was a lot of workout out and very hard to get there.
Now I am eating more healthy and carrying it thru on the weekends but working out much less (3-4 days cardio and 2 lifting)
I am now at 170 (from 201) and it isn't nearly as hard and my diet is sustainable (nothing really weird).
I feel bad for the guys I now see that I know and are running 30 min everyday huffing and puffing and they stay at 20-40lbs over even when they are working so hard.
Diet is key!!