If your metabolism feels sluggish or unresponsive—despite eating well or trying harder—you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is being told to cut more calories, exercise harder, or “push through” fatigue.

If your joints feel stiff, achy, or less cooperative than they used to, you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is being told joint discomfort is just part of aging—or that you have to live with it.

If you find yourself hungry again soon after eating—or feeling tired, irritable, or unfocused—you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is being told you need to eat less, cut carbs, or rely on willpower to control hunger.