📝 Detailed Answer
Many patients visit after being prescribed Wegovy, Saxenda, or appetite suppressants. As a TKM practitioner, I acknowledge their effectiveness in controlling appetite. However, because they forcibly suppress hunger through chemical signals, I often see patients struggling with severe weight regain (the yo-yo effect) once they stop. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we find the root causes of weight gain in 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dam-eum), which refers to internal waste products, and 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol), which is poorly circulated blood. Instead of simple starvation, we focus on discharging these toxins and promoting the circulation of Qi and Blood.
Particularly for those with a 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo) constitution, reckless fasting often leads to edema and fatigue rather than fat loss. In such cases, revitalizing Spleen function to boost the metabolic rate is the key to healthy weight loss. To compare: Western medicine acts on the central nervous system for rapid appetite suppression, while TKM focuses on increasing metabolism and constitutional improvement. For those with low energy or internal imbalances, herbal medicine also serves as a restorative. While Western pills may cause nausea, insomnia, or mood swings, TKM offers personalized prescriptions that minimize these burdens. If you have uncontrollable cravings, Western medicine might provide temporary help; however, if you bloat easily and feel heavy even when eating little, TKM is more advantageous. The yo-yo effect is also significantly lower with herbal medicine because it addresses the underlying constitution. Finding the fastest path starts with accurately assessing whether your body needs toxin discharge or simple appetite control.