Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Where exactly should I measure my waistline for abdominal obesity standards, and why is this so important for weight loss?
The waist circumference is measured at the narrowest point between the lower ribs and the pelvic bone, rather than simply around the belly button. This area is critical because an increase in visceral fat triggers the secretion of inflammatory substances, which raises insulin resistance and lowers metabolic efficiency. Consequently, it is not just a matter of gaining weight, but a state where the body's ability to utilize energy is impaired, explaining why simple fasting is often ineffective.
Having experienced the frustration of a protruding abdomen due to work-related stress myself, I understand how discouraging it is when running or exercising doesn't seem to reduce belly fat.
Medically, waist circumference is a key indicator because of 'visceral fat.' This is not merely stored fat; it acts as an active endocrine organ that releases inflammatory cytokines into the bloodstream, effectively flipping the 'metabolic switch' off. This shifts your body into a constitution where you gain weight easily even with low caloric intake.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is viewed through the concepts of Dam-eum (phlegm-fluid retention) and Eo-hyeol (blood stasis). Dam-eum refers to the accumulation of unnecessary metabolic waste, while Eo-hyeol represents stagnant blood residues. Specifically, when the Spleen function is deficient (Bi-heo), fluid metabolism is disrupted, leading to the accumulation of Dam-eum around the abdominal region.
This creates a vicious cycle: [Spleen deficiency → accumulation of Dam-eum and Eo-hyeol → abdominal obesity → metabolic decline]. Therefore, rather than restrictive dieting, it is essential to undergo a process of 'reactivating' your metabolic switch. I recommend we examine together which specific functional blockages are occurring in your body to find a sustainable solution.