Q. I've been experiencing irregular periods after taking diet pills; why does this affect my weight loss?

Many people experience a decline in overall condition when pushing themselves too hard with restrictive diets. From a Western medical perspective, extreme low-calorie diets or specific pharmacological ingredients can stimulate the hypothalamus, disrupting the female hormone regulatory system. When hormones are imbalanced, the body enters a survival mode; this not only lowers the basal metabolic rate but also causes the body to retain water, leading to bloating and a weight-loss plateau. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is viewed through the lens of Deficiency of Qi and Blood (氣血不足) and Phlegm-Fluid Retention (痰飮). 'Phlegm-fluid' refers to a state where metabolic waste products accumulate in the body instead of being properly excreted. When these waste products obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood, the uterus lacks the necessary energy, resulting in irregular periods. Furthermore, if you have a Spleen Deficiency (脾虛)—a weakened digestive function—the aggressive use of diet pills can exacerbate these symptoms. Ultimately, to create a body that loses weight efficiently, you must first restore the balance of hormones and Qi and Blood rather than forcing weight loss. I strongly recommend visiting our clinic for a precise diagnostic assessment of your current physical state.