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Basics & Causes
Basics & Causes

Q. My test results show an abdominal obesity rate of 0.82. What exactly does this mean, and why am I unable to lose weight?

A.

The abdominal obesity rate, or Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), measures where fat is distributed rather than just overall weight. A higher ratio indicates increased visceral fat, which releases inflammatory substances and raises insulin resistance. This slows down your metabolism, creating a cycle where weight loss stagnates even if you eat less than others.

📝 Detailed Answer

Medically, a high WHR signifies an accumulation of visceral fat. Visceral fat is not merely a storage unit; it actively secretes inflammatory cytokines that interfere with insulin function. This disrupts blood glucose regulation, shifting your constitution toward storing energy rather than burning it. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is interpreted through the concepts of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention) and 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency). 'Dam-eum' refers to a state where metabolic waste becomes viscous and obstructs the circulation of Qi and Blood. When the Spleen's function is weakened (Bi-heo), the body fails to convert food into energy efficiently, leaving behind 'Seup-dam' (damp-phlegm) as residue that accumulates in the abdominal area. Ultimately, your difficulty losing weight is not due to a lack of willpower, but a collapse of your 'metabolic environment.' It is like trying to drain a sink without unclogging the drain first. Rather than indiscriminate fasting, it is crucial to first resolve the stagnation in your body's internal flow to restore metabolic efficiency.
#cause-explanation #cause-chain
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

Last reviewed 2026.05.13

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