Where exactly should I measure my waistline to determine abdominal obesity, and why is this the key to dieting?

I have personally experienced this; during a period of overwhelming work, I neglected exercise and relied on late-night snacks, resulting in a protruding belly. Looking in the mirror, I realized firsthand that my metabolic efficiency had plummeted. Visceral fat is not merely a dormant mass of fat; it actively secretes inflammatory cytokines that circulate through the bloodstream and interfere with insulin function. Consequently, the body shifts into a 'storage mode' rather than an 'energy-burning mode,' which is why many people feel trapped in a cycle where weight loss feels impossible despite their efforts. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is analyzed through the lens of Dam-eum (phlegm-fluid retention) and Eo-hyeol (blood stasis). Dam-eum refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste and fluids, while Eo-hyeol describes sluggish blood circulation and thickened blood. Specifically, when the function of the Spleen is deficient (Bi-heo), the body fails to transform food into energy efficiently. Instead, it turns into 'damp' waste products that easily accumulate in the abdominal region. Ultimately, an increase in waist circumference is less about aesthetics and more a signal that your body's circulatory system is stagnating. Rather than simply starving yourself, it is essential to first clear these accumulated waste products and 'flip the switch' on your metabolism. Let's work together to assess your current bodily state and find the right path to recovery.