Q. I'm curious about how to maintain weight without the yo-yo effect.

The recurring yo-yo pattern falls into two main types. First is 'starvation dieting,' where rapid weight loss weakens the spleen and stomach, leading to Spleen Deficiency (biheo). The spleen generates qi from food; when weakened, water metabolism slows and the body becomes prone to weight gain—essentially shifting into 'storage mode' due to perceived famine. Second is exercise-only weight loss, which reduces muscle mass and lowers metabolism, while residual fat tissue accumulates Phlegm-Fluid (dameum)—a waste-like substance that settles under the skin and between organs, making fat hard to lose and easier to regain. In Traditional Korean Medicine, these two conditions are differentiated for treatment: for predominant Spleen Deficiency, tonifying the digestive system; for predominant Phlegm-Fluid, promoting metabolic circulation. However, since individual causes vary, the most accurate assessment comes from a clinical consultation including pulse, tongue, and body type examination. I’m not forcing you, but seeking such a consultation once could help you find a direction suited to your constitution.