Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I look thin on the outside, but I've been told I have 'skinny fat' (normal-weight obesity). Is it okay to just leave it as is, or will it cause problems later?
To be honest, leaving it untreated can be risky. While your weight on the scale may be normal, your internal health is compromised. Skinny fat is not just about body shape; it is a sign of impaired metabolic capacity. If not managed now, you are at a much higher risk of developing adult-onset diseases such as hypertension and diabetes much sooner than usual.
In my practice, I've seen many patients—such as a slim office worker in their 40s—who suffered from chronic fatigue despite their appearance. Upon examination, they typically show very low muscle mass and high visceral fat, a classic case of skinny fat. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is often linked to 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-Heo, 脾虛). When the Spleen's function is weakened, the body cannot absorb nutrients efficiently, and the ability to generate energy drops significantly.
This deficiency leads to the accumulation of 'phlegm-fluid' (Dameum, 痰飮), which are metabolic waste products resulting from poor fluid metabolism. When these residues accumulate in blood vessels and tissues, they hinder blood circulation and increase inflammation. If this is combined with 'blood stasis' (Eohyeol, 瘀血)—where blood becomes stagnant and viscous—there is a high probability of developing metabolic syndrome, such as unstable blood sugar levels or high blood pressure, even at a young age.
It is crucial not to approach this simply as a matter of 'losing weight.' Restricting calories further can actually trigger a vicious cycle by causing further muscle loss. Instead of weight loss, the goal should be to replenish deficient Qi (energy), expel metabolic waste, and restore systemic balance. The safest approach is to receive an accurate diagnosis of your current state and gradually improve your fundamental physical strength through a personalized wellness plan.