I'm a faculty member at a university and I am fighting the weight battle. I lost 40 lbs on this site a couple of years ago, but then life and a PhD happened. I finally committed to buckling down and I'm hoping it pays off. My mantra:

In 4 weeks I'll see a difference.
In 8 weeks he'll see a difference.
In 12 weeks they'll all see a difference.
DO NOT GIVE UP.