How on earth does weight loss work?

I went from actively trying to lose weight, not getting results fast enough, and giving up to passively trying to lose weight and not caring about the weight loss, just setting up easy, healthy habits. I have exercised in that time but not consistently, I have fasted, again, not consistently and pretty much cut out pop and energy drinks (still have them as a treat now and again but not multiple times every day like before).

I have lost 45ish lbs over the last 3 years so I think it's been successful. I would suggest stop looking for results because that'll just make you quit