Q. I'm in my 40s, and I've noticed that eating less doesn't help me lose weight like it used to. Why is that?

Entering your 40s can feel frustrating because the strategies that once worked—like skipping a meal or two—no longer yield the same results. You may find that even with a strict diet, your weight remains stagnant or you feel more bloated. It is important to understand that this is not a lack of willpower.

In TKM, this condition is referred to as Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). The 'Spleen' in TKM refers to the overall system responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption. When this function weakens, the body cannot utilize energy efficiently, leading to the accumulation of metabolic waste.

• Decreased Basal Metabolic Rate $\rightarrow$ Reduced efficiency in energy expenditure.
• Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) $\rightarrow$ Metabolic by-products accumulate, making the body feel heavy.
• Formation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮) $\rightarrow$ Blocked circulation leads to fat accumulation in specific areas, such as the abdomen.

Consequently, simply starving yourself can create a vicious cycle by further depleting your Qi (vital energy, 氣力), which lowers your metabolism even more. Rather than just reducing the quantity of food, the focus should be on clearing stagnant energy and strengthening the depleted functions of the internal organs.