My weight has gone down, but why hasn't my belly fat changed? Is body fat percentage really that important?
Focusing only on the scale can lead to the 'trap of numbers.' Body fat percentage refers to the proportion of pure fat within your total weight. Even at the same weight, physical appearance and health vary greatly depending on the composition of muscle versus fat. Since fat is much bulkier than muscle, a high body fat percentage makes the body look swollen and reduces metabolic efficiency. Remember, successful dieting is a 'battle of ratios' to reduce fat, not just a reduction in the weight displayed on the scale.
Body fat percentage translates the vague feeling of being 'overweight' into specific data. In Western medicine, an increase in visceral fat is linked to higher insulin resistance, creating a 'stagnation' where energy is trapped in the body rather than being burned. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this phenomenon is diagnosed as an accumulation of Phlegm-rheum (痰飮) and Blood Stasis (瘀血). Phlegm-rheum, a waste product caused by poor circulation, entangles with fat and lingers in various parts of the body. This is particularly problematic in cases of Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), where the Spleen—responsible for digestion and transport—is weakened. In this state, the body fails to convert food into energy, instead storing it as sticky 'Dampness-phlegm' (濕痰). A high body fat percentage is more than just a sign of weight gain; it is a warning light that your 'metabolic engine' is malfunctioning. To achieve sustainable weight loss without the yo-yo effect, you must clear out Phlegm-rheum and restore Spleen function while preserving muscle mass. Rather than being swayed by a single number, it is important to look closely at your body’s internal health. We are dedicated to normalizing these disrupted metabolic functions to support your fundamental recovery.
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