Q. Extreme diets like the Denmark diet are trending these days. What is the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) on these methods?

I have personally experienced the pitfalls of reckless fasting driven by over-ambition, which led to dizziness and a sharp drop in concentration. Based on that experience, I can confidently say that extreme diets disrupt the circulation of Qi and Blood. In TKM, we recommend a phased approach: 1. Constitution Diagnosis: First, we assess if you have Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo). If someone with weak digestive function undergoes an extreme diet, their vital energy will deplete further. 2. Removing Phlegm-Fluid (Dameum): We must first clear the accumulated metabolic waste known as 'Dameum.' If this remains, you will feel heavy and bloated regardless of how little you eat. 3. Resolving Blood Stasis (Eohyeol): By clearing blood stasis—stagnant blood caused by poor circulation—we increase the metabolic rate, allowing the body to use energy more efficiently. 4. Customized Dietary Planning: We don't just track calories; we incorporate foods that supplement the energy of organs that are deficient. 5. Gentle Transition: Careful attention must be paid to the 'recovery diet' period when returning to regular meals to prevent the yo-yo effect. Ultimately, weight loss is not a matter of willpower, but a matter of your 'body's condition.' Rather than forcing your body to fit a rigid diet plan, I suggest we find a dietary plan that fits your body.