Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I've lost weight, but I keep gaining it back quickly. How can I prevent the yo-yo effect?
The yo-yo effect is not a lack of willpower, but a result of your body's 'set point' remaining unchanged. Extreme fasting or strong suppressants trigger a crisis mode, causing the body to store more fat later. The key is to restore metabolic capacity tailored to your constitution to naturally maintain an ideal weight.
I understand the frustration of extreme fasting; the dizziness from hunger often leads to binge eating and a sense of defeat. To prevent the yo-yo effect, it is essential to reset your body's 'default setting.'
At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we take a phased approach:
1. Constitution Analysis and Metabolic Assessment: We first examine whether your body is utilizing energy efficiently. We identify if you are in a state of 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), where digestive functions are impaired, or if your 'Qi' (vital energy) is stagnated.
2. Removal of Waste and Toxins: We clear 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid/metabolic waste) and 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis) accumulated in the body. Clearing these blockages is necessary for a smooth metabolism.
3. Restoration of Basal Metabolic Rate: We elevate metabolic functions that have dropped due to excessive calorie restriction. By restoring the functions of the Spleen and Stomach, we create a body that utilizes energy efficiently even with smaller portions.
4. Establishing a Weight Maintenance System: We provide a stabilization period to gradually lower the 'set point' remembered by the brain after rapid weight loss. During this time, constitution-specific herbal medicine is used to regulate appetite and soothe psychological hunger.
Ultimately, the secret to preventing the yo-yo effect is losing weight at a pace your body can handle while compensating for constitutional weaknesses. Rather than struggling through trial and error alone, I recommend starting with an accurate understanding of your body's current state.