Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Should I exercise while on a herbal medicine diet, or is it possible to lose weight with just the herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine alone can lead to weight loss through constitutional improvement, but combining exercise helps maintain muscle mass and activate metabolism. I initially tried only herbal medicine, but adding exercise gradually made it much more stable. However, it depends on individual physical strength and lifestyle, so choose without overdoing it.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, obesity is not merely about weight but is viewed as a metabolic imbalance, often involving spleen deficiency (脾虛), phlegm (痰飮), or blood stasis (瘀血). Herbal medicine focuses on regulating these underlying metabolic functions. Combining exercise enhances qi and blood (氣血) circulation, creating synergy for fat loss and muscle maintenance while reducing the risk of rebound weight gain. The downside is that exercise can be burdensome for busy individuals. Conversely, relying solely on herbal medicine is convenient with minimal lifestyle changes, and effective constitutional improvement can still promote weight loss. However, it risks muscle loss and slower progress compared to combining exercise, and unchanged habits may limit results. Ultimately, the answer depends on your circumstances. If you have sufficient energy and time, even light exercise is recommended. If you are extremely busy or weak, starting with herbal medicine and gradually increasing activity is also a good approach. A consultation at our clinic can help determine the best strategy for you.