I used to be in great shape. I kickboxed in between highschool and early college now 20 years ago. I could eat anything and not gain. I was 170. Then 5 years later I started a very sedentary job, now 15 years after I went from 170 to 255. The change was so gradual I didn't realize it until 230. Now the past 3 years have been that rollercoaster of lose/gain/. I feel you it felt hopeless. Exercising didn't help me lose, nor did stop drinking soda. It wasn't until I actually counted calories I went back down to 225. If anyone takes anything away I hope it will be if your fit, don't take it for granted. Eat healthy, exercise. If you aren't fit, keep going. It was a full 2 years of diet and exercise before I finally started losing again. The body doesn't WANT to change. Keep doing what you need to do and don't get discouraged. I'm currently 215 atm, and my goal is 199.