Q. I'm eating less, but I'm still not losing weight. Is it because I lack willpower?

I have also experienced the frustration of attempting to lose weight through extreme fasting, only to find myself feeling lethargic, dizzy, and bloated. This taught me that simply eating less does not guarantee weight loss. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine, weight loss plateaus occur due to three primary factors: 1. Accumulation of Dam-eum (Phlegm-Fluid): This is a state where metabolic waste accumulates and blocks the circulation of Qi and Blood. Much like a clogged drain causes water to pool, an excess of Dam-eum slows down metabolism, making it difficult to lose weight even on a calorie deficit. 2. Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo): This refers to a weakened function of the Spleen. When the functions of digestion, absorption, and transportation are impaired, nutrients are not converted into energy and are instead stored as fat, or the lack of vital energy severely reduces exercise efficiency. 3. Stagnation of Eo-hyeol (Blood Stasis): This occurs when blood circulation is poor and 'turbid' blood stagnates. Stasis in the lower body or abdomen can trigger inflammatory responses, which act as a major barrier to a healthy basal metabolic rate. Ultimately, the issue is not just 'what you eat,' but 'how your body processes it.' By clearing blockages and strengthening deficient organ functions, we can naturally flip the metabolic switch back on. Let's determine which of these stages your body is currently in and find the right path for you.