Q. I've been trying to lose weight, but at some point, the numbers on the scale just stopped moving. What exactly causes this weight loss plateau?

Many people experience this after attempting extreme fasting; weight drops quickly at first, then hits a wall, often accompanied by dizziness and fatigue. Medically, the body prefers stability over change. When caloric intake drops sharply, the body interprets this as a 'famine' and attempts to conserve as much energy as possible. Paradoxically, the body becomes too efficient at storing energy, which halts further weight loss. From a TKM perspective, this state is viewed as a stagnation of Qi and Blood circulation. Specifically, the presence of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention)—metabolic waste that obstructs flow—and 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis)—stagnant blood that hinders circulation—can deepen the plateau. If this is coupled with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), where the digestive and absorptive functions are impaired, the body tends to store energy rather than burn it. To overcome a plateau, simply starving yourself is not the answer. Instead, you need a process to clear the blockages and 'flip the switch' on your metabolism. The first step is identifying exactly where the stagnation is occurring in your body. Rather than struggling alone, it is recommended to have a professional assessment to restore your metabolic balance.