Q. I've entered my 40s, and I find that fasting or skipping meals doesn't help me lose weight like it used to. Why is this happening?

Many people find that their bodies react differently in their 40s; while a single day of fasting might have led to quick weight loss in their 20s, the scale often remains stagnant despite eating less. This frustration is common and stems from significant physiological shifts. Around the age of 40, rapid hormonal changes occur. Insulin resistance typically increases and the overall metabolic rate slows down, meaning the body becomes more inclined to store energy rather than burn it. TKM provides a deeper perspective on this process. First, we must consider 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo). In TKM, the Spleen is the primary organ responsible for transporting nutrients and regulating metabolism. When its function weakens, food is not processed efficiently, leading to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum)—metabolic waste that acts like a blockage in a drain. If this is compounded by 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol), caused by poor blood circulation, the problem worsens. When nutrients and oxygen cannot reach every part of the body, the metabolism slows even further. Therefore, the struggle of 'eating less but not losing weight' is not a lack of willpower, but a sign that your body's metabolic engine has 'rusted.' The key is to accurately identify where these blockages are occurring in your specific body. Rather than indiscriminate fasting, the focus should be on clearing these obstructions and replenishing deficient Qi to achieve a healthy and sustainable transformation.