Q. What exactly does the number on a body fat percentage calculator mean, and why is it considered more important than my overall body weight?

Many patients struggle with the minor fluctuations on their scales, but the metric that truly matters is body fat percentage. While fat is an energy reserve, excess accumulation causes inflammation and insulin resistance, creating a cycle where metabolic decline leads to more fat and hormonal imbalances. Traditional Korean Medicine explains this through the concept of Spleen Deficiency (脾虛). When the Spleen—responsible for digestion and metabolism—is weak, nutrients aren't used as energy and instead turn into waste. This waste becomes Phlegm-fluid (痰飮, pathological metabolic byproduct) and can lead to Blood Stasis (瘀血, stagnant or impure blood), further blocking circulation. Thus, a high body fat percentage is a warning signal that your metabolic 'waste disposal' system is failing. At Baengnokdam, we don't recommend starving yourself, which wastes precious muscle. Instead, we focus on tonifying the Spleen and clearing Phlegm-fluid to create an internal environment where the body naturally burns fat. Rather than being discouraged by the scale, focus on restoring your body's fundamental functions. Let's discuss a more personalized approach during your consultation.