Q. I mostly eat salads and sandwiches, like from Subway, so why am I not losing weight?

Many people attempt to lose weight by sticking strictly to chicken breast and salads, only to find that they feel dizzy, fatigued, and eventually hit a weight-loss plateau. This phenomenon isn't just about calorie counting; it is about metabolic adaptation. When the body receives too few or too limited nutrients, it enters a 'starvation mode' to protect itself, slowing down the metabolism and clinging to energy stores. In TKM, this is viewed as 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency). The Spleen is the core organ responsible for transforming food into energy and distributing it throughout the body. If the Spleen is weakened, even healthy food cannot be properly metabolized, leading to the accumulation of metabolic waste. This accumulated waste is known as 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention). When 'Dam-eum' intertwines with 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis/stagnant blood), it hinders circulation, causing the body to feel heavy and bloated. Ultimately, the issue is not 'what' you are eating, but 'how' your body digests and burns that fuel. If you have hit a plateau despite a strict diet, you need to flip your metabolic switch back on rather than starving yourself further. Upon visiting the clinic, we will carefully evaluate your current energy levels and metabolic capacity to provide a tailored solution.