Will intermittent fasting help me lose weight? What is the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine on this?

The theory behind the popular intermittent fasting method is simple: extend the fasting period to lower insulin levels and force the body to use stored fat as energy. However, in my clinical experience, many patients actually arrive in a depleted state after attempting this method.

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), rather than advocating for fasting unconditionally, we first assess whether the patient suffers from Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), a state where impaired digestive and absorptive functions hinder overall health. If you force a fast while your vital energy is already low, the body perceives it as an 'emergency' and may actually strengthen its tendency to store energy (fat) as a survival mechanism.

• Qi and Blood Deficiency (Gi-hyeol-bu-jok, 氣血不足): Cases where prolonged fasting leads to severe dizziness or lethargy.
• Phlegm Accumulation (Dam-jeok, 痰積): Cases where metabolic waste is accumulated in the gastrointestinal tract, causing indigestion or bloating even during fasting.
• Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency (Gan-sin-eum-heo, 肝腎陰虛): Cases where hormonal imbalances lead to binge eating or sleep disorders following a fast.

Therefore, rather than strictly following a clock, it is crucial to adjust fasting intervals based on your basal metabolic rate and the current state of your Zang-Fu (internal organs) functions. Those with diabetes or hypotension must be particularly cautious.