Q. Fad diets like the perilla oil diet are very popular these days, but how do they differ from Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) weight loss treatments? I'm struggling to decide which one would be better for me.

Even before becoming a TKM practitioner, I struggled with weight loss and tried every popular method, from drinking perilla oil to one-food diets. However, I found that fad diets often highlight the benefits of a single ingredient while ignoring the individual's unique physical state. For example, if someone with a 'Spleen Deficiency' (weak digestive system) consumes excessive oil just because it is labeled 'healthy,' it can actually become toxic and cause 'Phlegm-fluid' (metabolic waste) to accumulate in the body. In Traditional Korean Medicine, we begin by clearing blockages in the body. We must remove 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol)—stagnant blood that hinders the circulation of Qi and Blood—to normalize metabolic functions. This allows the body to transform into an environment that utilizes energy efficiently even without forced fasting. | Category | Trendy Fad Diets | TKM Weight Loss (Baekrokdam) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Approach | Specific ingredients and dietary restriction | Balancing the body through constitutional analysis | | Principle | Fat burning aid and satiety | Removing Phlegm-fluid/Blood Stasis and boosting metabolism | | Personalization | One-size-fits-all approach | Prescriptions based on constitution and health status | | Side Effects | Risk of nutritional imbalance or digestive issues | Side effects prevented through direct medical monitoring | | Rebound (Yo-yo) | High risk once the diet stops | Advantageous for maintenance by restoring the metabolic system | What is a 'miracle cure' for one person can be 'poison' for another. The shortcut to success is identifying the fundamental reason why you aren't losing weight based on your constitution. I recommend receiving a consultation to thoroughly check your current health status rather than struggling alone.