Q. If I don't exercise at all and only take herbal medicine, will it have a weight loss effect?

Yes, herbal medicine alone can produce changes in body weight. For example, in individuals with a Spleen Deficiency (Biheo) constitution—where the spleen function is weak, causing poor digestion and a tendency to retain water—herbal medicine can aid digestion and metabolism, making weight regulation more favorable. I have seen such cases quite often. However, without combining exercise, the disadvantages may outweigh the benefits. Looking at the advantages: herbal medicine can stabilize appetite, reduce swelling, and help eliminate Phlegm-Fluid (Dameum)—unnecessary moisture and waste in the body. Additionally, if herbs that resolve Blood Stasis (Eohyeol) are included, blood circulation improves, slightly increasing energy expenditure. Yet the drawbacks are clear. Without exercise, muscle mass is not maintained, basal metabolic rate drops, and the risk of rebound weight gain after stopping herbal medicine increases. Moreover, relying solely on herbal medicine risks losing muscle before fat. From my own early clinical experience, I learned the importance of combining exercise. In conclusion, herbal medicine is a tool to harmonize the body, not a complete solution for weight loss. If you do not exercise at all, I recommend starting with at least light aerobic activity or stretching. Combining herbal medicine with exercise provides more stable benefits for constitution improvement and weight management. Since individual circumstances differ, it is best to discuss this together in the clinic.