>>49676034without counting calories there is no accountability. Sure, you can go for what feels like a "caloric deficit", but without actual counting you will never know for sure.
Adding to that, people who need to count calories (fat fucks) are also quite ignorant of how many calories actually go into them. They also tend to need way less calories due to physiological adaptments and sedentary lifestyle.
I think counting calories if key if someone is actually determined to lose weight, keeping a good macro/micronutrient balance of course.
Saying "it's bad because mental illness" is a massive cope from someone who doesn't really want to get into shape. Mindset is half the game.