Q. I want to go on a short-term diet for about a month. How should I get started?
Start with a personalized herbal prescription tailored to your specific constitution and metabolic state. The key is to enhance your basal metabolism rather than relying on excessive calorie restriction.
📝 Detailed Answer
Rushing into an extreme fast or using overly strong medication can quickly exhaust your body. Many people experience dizziness and a complete lack of energy when they reduce intake too drastically. Therefore, it is crucial to first determine your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and devise a strategy based on that.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we focus more on improving the body's ability to expel waste products rather than simply eating less. Specifically, if you are in a state of Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛) where digestive functions are weak, fasting may actually cause edema and lower your metabolism, making weight loss more difficult.
💡 Short-term Management Goals
The goal is not merely to reduce the number on the scale, but to remove accumulated metabolic waste known as Dam-jeok (痰積, phlegm accumulation) to normalize metabolic efficiency.
- Constitutional Diagnosis: Determine if your body is currently in a state that efficiently burns energy.
- Customized Prescription: Administer herbal medicine to regulate appetite and boost metabolism.
- Dietary Guidance: Instead of unconditional fasting, create a meal plan that does not hinder metabolic processes.
- Condition Monitoring: Manage variables affecting metabolism, such as sleep and stress.
Since every individual's constitution differs, we highly recommend an accurate diagnostic assessment before beginning your program.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director
Last reviewed 2026.04.24