Q. I'm a busy office worker with no time. Can I lose weight with just herbal medicine without dietary control?

I had the same concern initially, thinking herbal medicine alone would suffice. The truth is, herbal medicine can definitely aid weight loss. In Traditional Korean Medicine, obesity is often attributed to Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾虛), where the spleen fails to properly digest and absorb food, leading to accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮) — excess moisture and waste. Herbal medicine strengthens the spleen, eliminates phlegm, and boosts metabolism. Thus, some patients initially experience weight loss and a lighter feeling with herbs alone, which is especially convenient for busy office workers who cannot strictly manage their diet. However, the limitation is clear: without reducing caloric intake, energy balance remains unchanged. In practice, relying solely on herbs without dietary changes leads to slow progress and prolonged plateaus. Moreover, if lifestyle remains unchanged, rebound weight gain is likely after stopping the herbs. I once had a patient who refused to adjust their diet and relied only on herbs, only to hit a dead end after three months, requiring me to persuade them to incorporate dietary modifications. Ultimately, the outcome depends on individual circumstances. If your current food intake is excessive or heavily dependent on late-night meals and carbohydrates, herbal medicine alone has clear limits. Conversely, if your diet is moderate but weight loss is slow due to your constitution, herbs can be highly effective. The key is finding a middle ground between 'no dietary control' and 'perfect control'. For example, simply reducing half a bowl of rice at dinner or replacing one meal with a salad can greatly enhance the effect of herbal medicine. During a visit, I can assess your constitution and lifestyle to find a personalized balance.