Q. I use a calorie calculator to eat less based on how much I exercise, but why am I not losing weight?

Many people fall into the trap of obsessing over calorie counters, believing that a strict mathematical balance of food intake and exercise will lead to weight loss. However, when you under-eat and over-exercise, the body minimizes energy expenditure to ensure survival. In Western medicine, this is viewed as a drop in basal metabolic rate (BMR) and hormonal imbalance. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is often seen as 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). The Spleen is the central organ responsible for transporting nutrients and generating energy (Qi). When Spleen function is compromised, the body cannot efficiently convert food into energy, regardless of how few calories you consume. Furthermore, if this is compounded by the accumulation of 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste—and 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血)—obstructed blood flow—the metabolic pathways become clogged. It is like trying to force more cars onto a highway that is already gridlocked; adding more effort (exercise) doesn't solve the underlying blockage. Ultimately, the key is not 'how much less you eat,' but whether your body is in a physiological state capable of burning energy efficiently. Rather than relying on rigid calculations, you need to focus on 'switching' your metabolism back on and restoring your body's internal balance.