Q. Will following diet-friendly drink recipes at Starbucks actually help me lose weight? What is the perspective from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinic?

To be honest, even as a professional, I once went through a phase of blindly following trendy diet plans, only to end up feeling dizzy and completely drained of energy. I had my own fair share of trial and error! (laughs) Efforts to reduce sugar, such as using Starbucks custom drink recipes, are certainly a step in the right direction. However, TKM emphasizes 'how your body processes what you consume' more than simply 'what you avoid eating.' First, it is important to check if you are in a state of 'Dameum' (痰飮, Phlegm-Fluid Retention), where metabolic waste accumulates and hinders circulation. If these sticky, phlegm-like wastes are prevalent, your metabolism stagnates; consequently, your body may still feel heavy and bloated regardless of how many low-calorie drinks you consume. Next, you should assess if you have 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency). If you restrict your diet too aggressively while your Spleen function is weak, you will only deplete your vital energy (Qi). In a state of Spleen Deficiency, where digestive and absorptive capacities are low, you may find that you don't lose weight even while eating very little. Lastly, 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, Blood Stasis) must be cleared to improve circulation. When blood flow is stagnant, the basal metabolic rate drops. Only when clean blood circulates smoothly throughout the body can the efficiency of fat burning increase. Ultimately, rather than relying on a single drink recipe, it is far more effective to first clear the blockages in your body. I recommend identifying whether your constitution is prone to Dameum or if you are in a state of Bi-heo. Once you understand your body's internal state, you can manage your weight comfortably without forced deprivation.