Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Many people in my family are obese, so I think it's genetic. Is dieting harder if there's a family history?
Yes, family history certainly has an impact, but it is not a reason to give up. Obesity is influenced by both constitutional predispositions and environmental factors like eating habits. By identifying your specific vulnerabilities, you can develop a personalized strategy. Please check if you share dietary preferences with your parents, feel hungry quickly, or tend to experience frequent bloating and heaviness.
I understand the frustration of struggling with your constitution; the phrase 'I gain weight just by drinking water' often reflects a real biological struggle. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this is viewed not just as genetic coding, but as a result of one's innate energy flow and organ function. For instance, Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛) reduces the efficiency of converting food into energy, creating an environment prone to weight gain. Furthermore, a constitution susceptible to the accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮) slows down metabolism, making weight management feel overwhelming.
If this is coupled with Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血), which hinders blood circulation, edema worsens and the metabolic rate drops further. Having a family history suggests you likely share these 'constitutional vulnerabilities.' However, this does not mean weight loss is impossible; rather, it means your approach must be different. Instead of extreme fasting or relying solely on strong medications, you must first clear blockages in the body and replenish deficient energy. Once you align your strategy with your specific constitution, genetic disadvantages can be effectively overcome.