I think your comment is somewhat on track.

"general population doesn't have the discipline for it" — only that this feels somewhat condescending.

Let's agree that counting macros or going for calorie deficit is hard if it is not someones job. General population has other jobs, family, social life, other hobbies they enjoy more than fitness. It is not "just eat less" it is "spend considerable amount of time thinking about and planning your eating".