Q. Even when I go on a diet, I always rebound. I'm curious about how to prevent the yo-yo effect.

People who experience repeated yo-yo dieting commonly show a pattern of Spleen deficiency (bi xu). The Spleen is responsible for digestion and fluid metabolism; when dieting drastically reduces intake or creates irregular eating, Spleen function weakens. The body then stores energy more readily, leading to weight gain and edema. Combined with stress or sleep deprivation, this can cause Liver qi stagnation (gan qi yu jie) and further metabolic decline. I personally experienced this before becoming a Korean medicine doctor, so I understand. To prevent rebound, I recommend the following sequence: 1. **Constitution assessment**: Determine your type through Sasang constitution or pattern identification (deficiency/excess, cold/heat). For example, Soeumin (少陰人) are prone to Spleen deficiency, while Taeeumin (太陰人) tend toward phlegm-fluid (tan yin). Approaches differ accordingly. 2. **Spleen-strengthening diet**: Eat regular, warm, easily digestible foods (porridge, soups, steamed vegetables). Cold, processed, or fruit-heavy meals further weaken the Spleen. Three moderate meals are better than frequent small snacks. 3. **Herbal medicine**: If Spleen deficiency or phlegm-fluid is confirmed, formulas like Bojungikgi-tang (補中益氣湯) or Ijin-tang (二陳湯) may be considered. However, as prescriptions vary by constitution, always consult a practitioner. 4. **Qi-centered exercise**: Prefer gentle activities like walking or light yoga that promote qi flow without excessive sweating. Intense workouts can exhaust the Spleen further. 5. **Stress management**: Stagnant Liver qi disrupts Spleen function. Meditation, hobbies, and adequate sleep help relieve Liver qi stagnation. Following these steps allows the body to naturally regulate weight. While I cannot promise a specific weight loss amount, the goal is a constitution-based improvement without rebound. Let's work on it together.