Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Even when I diet, I keep experiencing the yo-yo effect. What can I do to prevent it?
Sudden drastic dietary changes weaken the Spleen (脾), worsening the yo-yo effect. Steady exercise supports Qi circulation. Stress and sleep deprivation aggravate Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) and Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮). After weight loss, gradually transition back to normal eating to let your body adapt.
I've been there myself. In Traditional Korean Medicine, obesity is viewed as an imbalance in Qi circulation and organ function, especially Spleen Deficiency (脾虛). When the Spleen is weak, water metabolism slows, leading to Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮) accumulation and eventually Blood Stasis (瘀血). Extreme dieting depletes Qi and Blood (氣血), exhausting the Spleen further—so while weight drops, the body is primed to rebound. To prevent this, avoid severe calorie restriction or mono-diets; instead, eat Spleen-supportive foods like yam (마), pumpkin (호박), and coix seed (율무). Engage in moderate daily exercise—e.g., 20 minutes of walking—to promote Qi flow rather than sporadic intense workouts. Manage stress and ensure adequate sleep, as both can cause Liver Qi Stagnation (肝氣鬱滯), worsening Phlegm-Fluid and Blood Stasis. After losing weight, give your body time to adapt by gradually increasing food intake. Consider supportive therapies like herbal medicine or moxibustion (뜸) to supplement Qi and Blood. Most importantly, don't let anxiety about yo-yo effect itself block Qi flow—consistency and nurturing the Spleen are key.