Q. My body fat percentage came out as 28%. What exactly does this mean, and why is it so important for weight loss?

From a modern medical perspective, a high body fat percentage increases the body's tendency to store energy. Especially in women, hormonal influences can lead to fat accumulation; once this exceeds a certain threshold, the body's metabolic response slows down, similar to a 'metabolic switch' being turned off. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is viewed through the lens of 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention) and 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis). 'Dameum' refers to the accumulation of unnecessary fluids and metabolic waste that have become viscous, while 'Eohyeol' refers to stagnant blood flow. When these 'residues' accumulate, the circulation of Qi and Blood is obstructed, significantly reducing the efficiency of fat burning. Furthermore, if this is accompanied by 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency/weak digestive function), the situation becomes more complex: the body struggles to absorb nutrients effectively while failing to expel metabolic waste. Therefore, rather than simply starving yourself, it is essential to assess your current metabolic state and clear these obstructions. There is no need to be overly stressed by the number 28%. Instead, we should identify whether your body is currently in an 'environment where it is difficult to utilize energy' and resolve those root causes. This is the healthiest approach to achieving sustainable weight loss without the yo-yo effect.