Q. My body fat percentage is 25%. What exactly does that mean, and why is it so important when dieting?

I completely understand the frustration; I've personally experienced the cycle of starving myself only to find that while the number on the scale dropped, my reflection in the mirror remained unchanged. Having gone through those trials, I deeply empathize with the discouragement patients feel. Medically, a high body fat percentage signifies a decline in the body's 'energy efficiency.' An increase in fat cells leads to insulin resistance, creating a vicious cycle where your body cannot properly utilize energy—even with modest intake—and instead stores it as fat. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we analyze this condition through the lens of 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention) and 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis). 'Dameum' refers to unnecessary waste products accumulated in the body, while 'Eohyeol' refers to stagnant, poor-quality blood. When these obstruct the blood vessels and tissues, the circulation of Qi and Blood is hindered, inevitably slowing down your metabolism. This situation becomes more complex if you have a 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency) state, where digestive functions are weakened. When the Spleen's function is impaired, the body fails to convert food into usable energy and instead produces 'Seup' (dampness), creating an internal environment where body fat accumulates more easily. Simply eating less is not the answer. It is essential to go through a process of 'switching on' your body's metabolic triggers. I recommend starting by accurately identifying which part of your body's metabolic flow is currently stagnated.