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

Many people obsess over the number on the scale, but focusing only on weight often leads to fatigue and a lack of vitality because the body loses essential muscle mass instead of fat. Medically, a high body fat percentage means your 'energy-burning factories' (muscles) are insufficient while your 'storage units' (fat) have expanded, resulting in a low-efficiency metabolism where weight gain occurs more easily despite eating less. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is often described as an accumulation of Dam-eum (phlegm-fluid retention). This occurs when metabolic waste is not properly excreted and stagnates in the body, hindering the smooth flow of Qi and blood. Furthermore, if this is accompanied by Bi-heo (Spleen deficiency), the body's ability to digest, absorb nutrients, and transport energy diminishes. This creates a vicious cycle where fat accumulates more easily and muscle becomes harder to build. The core of a successful diet is not simply reducing a number, but clearing the stagnated Dam-eum and restoring Spleen function to 'flip the switch' on your metabolism. By accurately understanding your constitutional state, you can achieve a healthy transformation without the yo-yo effect. Let's work together to determine the right direction for your health.