Q. How can I prevent diet rebound (yo-yo effect)? I've failed several times and want to make sure this time works.

People who experience rebound often fall into two patterns. First, a short diet with severe calorie restriction makes the body perceive starvation, lowering metabolism and storing fat. In this state, even small amounts of food can cause weight gain. Second, insufficient protein intake leads to muscle loss, reducing basal metabolic rate so that the same food intake results in easier weight gain. In TKM, this is often viewed as Spleen Qi Deficiency (biheo). The spleen is responsible for absorbing nutrients and generating energy; excessive dieting weakens spleen function, impairing water metabolism and producing Phlegm-Dampness (dameum). Accumulated dampness causes bloating and fatigue, making weight gain easy. Repeated dieting can also impair blood circulation, leading to Blood Stasis (eohyeol), which prevents fat from breaking down properly. To prevent rebound, first assess your condition: if you have a cold sensation in the abdomen and poor digestion, consider warming herbs for the spleen (e.g., dried ginger, atractylodes); if you feel bloated and tired, consider herbs that promote water metabolism (e.g., poria, alisma). For those with a cold body type, supplement yang qi. This is not simply a 'weight loss' treatment but a process of restoring bodily balance. Above all, a habit of slow weight loss and consistent strength training are essential foundations.