Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Can I eat cheese while on a diet? Why do some people say that cheese hinders weight loss?
Cheese itself is not inherently bad, but the key is your current physiological state. High fat intake slows down digestion, which can lead to a general stagnation of metabolism. For those with weak digestive capacity, the fats in cheese linger in the intestines, making the body feel heavy. While it provides nutrients in moderation, excessive amounts can act as a detriment to your metabolic health.
In the past, I once mistakenly believed that cheese was fine because it is a protein source, only to find myself experiencing bloating and dizziness. Even as a practitioner of Korean Medicine, I experienced this firsthand.
From a Western medical perspective, cheese is high in fat and calories. Excessive consumption can increase blood lipid levels and affect insulin resistance, which slows down the process of weight control.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this process is viewed through the concept of 'Dameum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention). Dameum refers to sticky metabolic waste that accumulates when the body's fluid metabolism is obstructed. Greasy and 'heavy' foods like cheese interfere with the 'Yun-hwa' (運化, transporting and transforming) function of the Spleen and Stomach, making it easier for Dameum to accumulate.
Particularly for those with a 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency) constitution—characterized by slow digestion and easy fatigability—eating too much cheese creates a vicious cycle where undigested food stagnates in the body, further slowing down overall metabolism.
Ultimately, the core issue is whether your digestive capacity can handle the fat content of cheese. Rather than cutting it out completely, I recommend assessing your current metabolic state and adjusting your intake accordingly.