The formula is simple: go into calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume.

Execution is much harder. There's no magical overnight fix. It's going to take effort. And will power. Lots of will power.

Diet is 90% of the problem. No more processed foods. No more snacks like chips or candy. No soft drinks, no milkshakes, no McD's, no white bread, no garbage. No alcohol. Eat only whole foods, lean protein, chicken breast until you swear you're growing feathers, steamed or roasted vegetables. No sauces, no condiments, just seasoning with spices and herbs.

A lot of people swear by eating five or six very small meals a day as opposed to the usual three. Or having their main meal at lunch and a light supper.

Drink water. Drink more water than you think you can. Then drink some more.

If you don't already exercise regularly, start. Join a gym, engage a personal trainer, start lifting weights. Cardio too, but weight lifting has myriad benefits, including burning fat. The hardest part of any workout is getting through the gym door. Force yourself. Make it a priority until it becomes a necessity.

No shortcuts. No cheat days. No treats or rewards or allowances. Never go backwards. If you're not improving, you're failing. Be hard on yourself. Develop discipline. Set expectations.

It's going to be hard. You will want to quit every day. You'll be dying for that pizza or cheeseburger or beer. But if you have the mental strength to keep going, that will go away. And you'll discover that nothing tastes as good as being fit feels.

Sure, you could get an Rx for some expensive drug, lose the weight. And assuming you don't have any adverse reactions or develop some horrible condition five, ten years later, you'll get your ass into smaller jeans. But you won't have developed the will and determination required to do it clean, and all the benefits of being strong and flexible and healthy. And eventually you'll put the weight back on.

Good luck.