Q. Doctor, what exactly is a 'diet recipe'? Why is it considered so important for losing weight?

In the past, I too have tried diets driven by sheer willpower, eating nothing but chicken breast and sweet potatoes. However, I eventually found myself completely drained of energy and dizzy. In short, I was putting in effort that didn't align with my body's needs. From a modern medical perspective, sudden dietary changes can increase insulin resistance and lower the basal metabolic rate. The body perceives this as an emergency state and holds onto fat more tightly, which is the core mechanism behind the 'yo-yo effect' or weight cycling. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we view this through the lens of 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛) and 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮). Spleen Deficiency refers to a weakened functional state of the Spleen; when digestive and absorptive capacities decline, nutrients cannot be converted into energy and instead remain as waste. This waste becomes 'Dam-eum,' and when it stagnates throughout the body, it obstructs circulation and creates an environment where weight gain occurs easily. Ultimately, a 'diet recipe' is not about simply cutting calories, but about designing a dietary plan that removes Phlegm-Fluid and restores Spleen function according to the state of your internal organs. Since every individual has a different constitution (Sasang typology), you need a precise recipe to clear the blockages in your body. Rather than struggling alone, it is far more efficient to assess your current state together.