Something FA doesn't understand about long term weight loss is that a deficit does not need to be maintained forever in order to maintain the new, lower weight. I understand that going from eating way more than necessary to eating a normal amount can feel restrictive, but it's really just what the body needs and no more.
And it is offensive to call it an eating disorder.
Example: 30yo female, 5'6", 200lb start weight (BMI 32.3), sedentary.
Starting TDEE is estimated at 1973 kcal/day. Loss of 1 lb/week would mean an intake of ~1473 kcal/day. Loss of 0.5 lb/week would mean an intake of ~1723 kcal/day. This is very manageable, especially if she's no longer sedentary.
BMI 25 would have her at 155lb. So maybe this weight loss takes 1-2 years. Yes, that would need some adjustments factored in along the way, and nothing is linear, but it's not an outlandish scenario.
At 155lb, new sedentary TDEE is 1728 kcal/day. But what if she increased activity? Light exercise increases that estimate to 1980.
Maybe if this example woman had been eating 2500-3000 kcal/day, 1500-1700 would feel extreme. But it's ok, if someone has been gaining weight, to start by eating at maintenance only and slowly work down to an effective deficit, then up to the new maintenance level.
Weight loss can last. Deficits do not have to and, frankly, aren't expected to continue forever. This also doesn't take into account the effect of body composition, as skeletal muscle burns 34% more calories than adipose tissue, which is why building muscle is recommended for weight loss as well as general health benefits.
And sorry but if a regular diet "saps the joy out of your life," you need to take a hard look at yourself and find something besides food that brings you joy.
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