Q. Will I really lose weight if I follow those Starbucks diet recipes trending online? I'm curious about how it works.

I recall trying those trendy recipes myself a while back, and honestly, they tasted so bland that it was a bit of a struggle! (laughs) From a physiological standpoint, the principle is simple: by removing high-sugar syrups, you prevent blood glucose spikes and keep insulin levels low, which facilitates fat burning. This is a very rational approach in Western medicine. However, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) offers a different perspective. Weight loss isn't guaranteed for everyone just by removing sugar. For instance, consider those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or Spleen Deficiency, where digestive and absorptive functions are weakened. If such individuals suddenly consume cold beverages or follow restrictive diets, it can lead to the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), which are metabolic waste products or phlegm-fluid retention. This creates a vicious cycle where a lack of vital energy further slows down the metabolic rate. Furthermore, many stressed office workers suffer from 'Gi-che' (氣滯), a state of Qi stagnation. In these cases, rather than blindly fasting or restricting sugar, the priority should be releasing the stagnant Qi and improving 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血)—stagnant blood—to enhance overall circulation. Ultimately, 'whether your body is prepared to accept it' is more important than 'what you are drinking.' A healthy, sustainable weight loss without the yo-yo effect is only possible when you approach it based on your specific constitution and current health status. Instead of struggling through trial and error alone, why not let's analyze your constitution together?