I read your post topic in the headings and thought, "somebody's trying to tell me something." We've got a ride to Montana at the end of August and my back's been hurting and I've just not felt great for the last few weeks. I blame lots of things but like you, I also need to lose 25 lbs and I know if I lost even 10 lbs, it would help more than anything. It does keep getting harder to lose weight the older you get.
My daughter's in nutrition so I get tired of all the official crap from people that think they have all the answers and then next year, they find new studies and think something else. But having people around you that encourage your weight loss seems to be a major factor to success. Even your post and the replay has motivated me more than anything this go round.
As to the caffeine, I think the jury is out on how bad that is, but like any chemical it doesn't help in mass quantities. I cut it out cold turkey a couple years ago and I don't think I'll do that again. Felt like withdrawal, with body aches, headaches and crazy stuff. I drink a lot more water now and cut back on soda. But don't take my coffee away.
I agree with MNFJR that the exercise is important too. But my doctor says that after 40 and then especially after 50 there is this layer of fat in your lower stomach you can't work off with exercise. That's when you get into carbohydrate management, which is the part I hate most.
I wish you success in your endeavors,
Paul