Q. My test results show a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.81. What exactly does this mean, and why is it hindering my weight loss?

From a medical perspective, a high WHR indicates an accumulation of visceral fat. Visceral fat is not just stored energy; it acts like a factory producing inflammatory substances. These substances interfere with insulin activity, creating a vicious cycle where nutrients cannot reach the muscles that need energy and are instead stored as fat. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is explained through the concepts of 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention) and 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis). Dameum refers to the accumulation of metabolic waste and fluids that fail to be excreted, while Eohyeol refers to stagnant or sluggish blood flow. When this is coupled with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency/impaired digestive function), the body fails to convert food into usable energy and instead stores it as 'waste' (fat). Ultimately, your struggle is not due to a lack of willpower, but rather a problem with your 'internal environment.' If you simply starve yourself while your metabolism is blocked, your body perceives it as an emergency and holds onto fat even more tightly. Therefore, it is essential to first clear the blocked 'Qi' (energy flow) to switch your metabolism back on. Understanding your specific constitutional state is the key to efficient weight management without wasting effort.