Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I have skinny fat syndrome. How long does it usually take to feel a change in body composition with herbal medicine treatment?
While it varies by individual, we typically recommend a three-month course. The first month focuses on opening the body's circulation, the second month is when changes in body composition typically become visible, and the third month is essential for stabilizing these results.
Patients with 'skinny fat' profiles often find the process frustrating because the scale doesn't move much; the issue is a high body fat percentage and low muscle mass despite a normal weight. This state is often caused by a disrupted metabolic balance.
In the first month, we focus on the 'cleansing' phase. We work to eliminate 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid accumulation/metabolic waste) and 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis), which are stagnant fluids and blood that hinder circulation. During this stage, you will likely feel that your body feels 'lighter' rather than seeing a change in weight.
From the second month, we focus on boosting your metabolism. We treat 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), a state where the digestive system's function is weakened, to improve nutrient absorption and promote fat burning. This is when you will notice visible changes in your physique (the 'eye-body' check) and shifts in your body composition metrics.
In the third month, we focus on 'internalizing' these changes to ensure they last. If weight or composition changes too rapidly, the body has a strong tendency to revert to its original state. Maintaining the treatment through this period helps minimize the risk of the yo-yo effect.
Ultimately, treating skinny fat syndrome is not about eating less, but about restoring a collapsed metabolic balance. Let's work together to create a personalized plan.