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Basics & Causes
Basics & Causes

Q. How exactly do the diet foods and supplements sold on the market help with weight loss?

A.

They generally work in two ways: by suppressing appetite or blocking sugar absorption to reduce caloric intake. However, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) focuses beyond mere restriction; the goal is to clear metabolic waste and restore digestive functions to create a body that naturally burns energy efficiently.

📝 Detailed Answer

Many people rely on supplements to quickly drop their appetite or induce bowel movements, which may change the number on the scale temporarily, but these do not activate the body's 'metabolic switch.' While modern medicine focuses on lowering insulin resistance and increasing basal metabolic rate, TKM takes a more holistic approach by addressing internal obstructions. In TKM, we first clear 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention/metabolic waste) and 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis/stagnant blood) that hinder circulation. Just as cleaning a house is ineffective if the trash is piled too high, weight loss is difficult if metabolic waste is not removed. Furthermore, if a patient suffers from 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), the body cannot convert nutrients into energy, causing them to be stored as fat regardless of the diet quality. Therefore, rather than simply advising patients to 'eat less,' I focus on regulating the balance of the internal organs and promoting the circulation of Qi and Blood. This creates an internal environment where the body can autonomously burn fat. Ultimately, how your body processes what you eat is more important than what you eat. I recommend first assessing your current metabolic capacity.
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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

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