Q. Why do my eyelids get puffy or look uneven when I'm on a diet? Does this symptom affect my weight loss results?

Many patients report changes in their eyelids during weight loss. Abruptly fasting or severely restricting carbohydrates triggers a stress response in the body, fluctuating the secretion of adrenal hormones and antidiuretic hormones. This causes instability in extracellular fluid levels, leading to puffiness or asymmetry around the thin skin of the eyes. From a TKM perspective, this is interpreted as a state of Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo) accompanied by Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum). The Spleen is responsible for transporting the energy and fluids extracted from food throughout the body. When nutrition becomes inconsistent due to dieting, Spleen function is the first to falter. This deficiency causes fluids to stagnate rather than circulate, resulting in the accumulation of 'dampness' or 'phlegm-fluid'—a metabolic byproduct. The eyelids are among the first areas to show this stagnation due to their delicate skin. This is more than a cosmetic issue; Spleen Deficiency erodes overall metabolic efficiency. It leads to a deficiency in 'Qi' (vital energy) required for fat burning and increases the risk of Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol). Therefore, even if you lack other symptoms like skin breakouts or numbness in the extremities, an asymmetrical or puffy eyelid should be treated as a warning signal from your body. Since individual constitutions, stress levels, and sleep quality vary, I recommend a clinical consultation to receive a customized treatment plan based on your specific constitution.