Q. I am severely obese; what is the process for weight loss at a Korean medicine clinic?

For those with severe obesity, identifying 'why the body has become resistant to weight loss' is more important than simply reducing caloric intake. In clinical practice, we find that applying strong medications to patients with severely depleted vital energy can lead to further exhaustion. Baekrokdam’s step-by-step approach is as follows: 1. Constitution and Vital Energy Diagnosis: We first check for Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When the function of the Spleen is weakened, the body's ability to digest, absorb, and transport nutrients decreases, making it difficult to lose weight regardless of food intake. 2. Removal of Toxins and Waste: We first clear 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血—stagnant, turbid blood) and 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮—unnecessary fluid waste) accumulated in the body. If the metabolic pathways are blocked, weight loss cannot proceed efficiently. 3. Optimizing Metabolic Efficiency: Using herbal medicine, we increase the basal metabolic rate and naturally regulate appetite. We carefully monitor the body's response to adjust the potency of the medicinal herbs. 4. Correction of Lifestyle Rhythms: We realign disrupted circadian rhythms, including diet and sleep patterns. This is a crucial step to prevent the 'yo-yo effect' and maintain a healthy state. This gradual approach ensures the body is not overburdened, which is especially critical for patients who have suffered from side effects after using conventional pharmaceutical weight-loss drugs.