Q. What exactly are daily calories, and why are they so important for weight loss?

Many people try extreme fasting, but this often leads to dizziness and exhaustion. While modern medicine views calorie restriction as a way to lower insulin levels and trigger fat burning, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) explains why two people eating the same amount of calories can have completely different results. This difference stems from 'metabolic efficiency.' In TKM, we focus on the concept of Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). The Spleen is the core organ responsible for transporting nutrients and generating energy. When its function is impaired, food is not converted into energy efficiently, leaving behind metabolic waste. This accumulated waste is known as Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮). When Phlegm-Fluid stagnates in the body, it creates a vicious cycle that further slows down the metabolism. If this is combined with Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血)—a condition where blood flow is obstructed—you may find yourself in a constitution where weight is difficult to lose even with minimal food intake. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to 'eat less,' but to ensure your body is in a state where it can actually burn energy. You must first repair your body's internal engine (the Spleen) for calorie management to be truly effective.