How is childhood obesity calculated, and how does a Korean medicine clinic help with weight loss?
Children differ from adults, so obesity is not judged by weight alone but by the Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile, considering height and gender. At Baengnokdam Clinic, we avoid restrictive fasting. Instead, we take a phased approach tailored to the child's constitution and growth rate, first assessing digestive function and overall vitality, then clearing internal waste and stimulating growth plates.
As parents, it is natural to feel urgent, but simply telling a child to 'eat less' often leads to stress without effective weight loss. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), childhood obesity is viewed as more than just overeating; it is often a result of internal imbalance. We follow this specialized approach:
1. Assessment of Constitution and Baseline Status: We examine the child's digestive and absorptive capacity. We check for 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-Heo), a condition where weak spleen function prevents proper nutrient absorption, leading to stagnation in the body.
2. Removal of Metabolic Waste: We focus on clearing 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid), which are stagnant metabolic wastes. By improving metabolic efficiency, we help the body utilize energy more effectively.
3. Improving Circulation: Many children experience swelling due to poor circulation. We resolve 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis) to promote systemic circulation, which naturally increases the child's activity levels.
4. Balancing Growth: Weight loss must not hinder growth. We ensure sufficient nutrition while stimulating the growth plates, redirecting the energy that would become fat into height growth.
Children's bodies respond more quickly and sensitively than adults'. Rather than forced restriction, the safest method is to restore bodily balance and allow weight to decrease naturally. We invite you to visit our clinic for a personalized assessment of your child's specific needs.
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