Why is it harder to lose weight in my 50s compared to before? And what exactly is the difference in dieting before and after this age?

Many people find that the effortless weight loss they experienced in their 20s is no longer possible in their 50s. Medically, this is due to a sharp decline in growth and sex hormones around this age, which leads to a decrease in muscle mass and a tendency to store fat more easily. Essentially, while your energy intake may remain the same, the 'metabolic engine' that burns that energy has shrunk. In TKM, this condition is often attributed to the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention) and 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis). Dam-eum refers to the buildup of viscous metabolic waste, while Eohyeol occurs when blood circulation is sluggish and impure. When these are coupled with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency)—a weakening of the Spleen's function—it creates a vicious cycle where the body feels heavy and sluggish despite poor nutrient absorption. Therefore, dieting in your 50s is not simply a battle of calorie restriction. The key is to clear the stagnated circulation of Qi and Blood and restore the function of weakened internal organs. Rather than attempting extreme fasting, it is more effective to implement a strategy that assesses your specific body constitution and boosts your overall metabolic capacity.