I've lost 30 lbs over the last year and I've done it without much exercise and without starving myself.
Firstly, I stopped boozing. No at all since November. Secondly, counting calories like @El Zen. It works. I can eat a big bowl of pasta with cheese if my total count doesn't exceed 2500.
Also, hardly any added sugar. Brown rice over white. Olive oil over corn oil, Roasted over fried, Oat milk over regular, etc.
Make smart substitutions whenever possible.
Exercise will help but it isn't the end all.