I've heard that everyone has a different body constitution. Does that mean my diet and weight loss method should also be different based on my constitution?

This is one of the most common concerns when starting a diet. Many people find that following a popular diet plan can actually lead to increased bloating or a loss of energy because it doesn't align with their specific body type.

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), weight gain is viewed not simply as a matter of calories, but as a constitutional issue (body type). This is because the efficiency of energy utilization and the ability to process metabolic waste differ from person to person.

• Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo): A constitution where weak digestive function hinders nutrient absorption and transport, making it easy to gain weight.
• Phlegm Accumulation (Dam-jeok): A constitution where accumulated metabolic waste obstructs the circulation of Qi and Blood, leading to severe edema (swelling).
• Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol): A constitution where stagnant blood flow lowers the basal metabolic rate, often causing weight gain in specific localized areas.

Therefore, rather than indiscriminately fasting, it is crucial to first identify your body's current state. Those with a slow metabolism need to "stoke the fire" to boost energy, while those with severe edema must first "open the waterways" to clear fluid buildup.