Q. I’m struggling to lose weight after childbirth. Why is my weight staying the same even though my diet and activity levels haven't changed?

It is common to feel distressed when your body doesn't return to its pre-pregnancy state, but it is important to realize this isn't simply a matter of calorie intake. From a Western medical perspective, the drastic hormonal shifts following delivery can trigger insulin resistance, prompting the body to stubbornly store fat. In TKM, we identify several internal factors. First is 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol)—stagnant, impure blood from childbirth that clogs the body’s pathways and lowers metabolism. Second is 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum), where body fluids turn into viscous waste, leading to chronic bloating and heaviness. Most importantly, many mothers experience 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo), a state where the energy for digestion and metabolism is exhausted. When the body lacks vital Qi, it refuses to let go of fat as a self-protection mechanism. Therefore, the focus should not be on starving yourself, but on clearing internal waste and replenishing Qi to 'reset' your metabolic switch. Only when circulation is restored and the body is strengthened can postpartum weight be shed naturally and safely.