The yo-yo effect can be truly exhausting. Through clinical experience, it is clear that this cannot be solved simply by eating less. When you starve yourself indiscriminately, the body perceives it as an 'emergency state' and attempts to hold onto energy more aggressively.

In TKM, this state is viewed as Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), where the functions of the Spleen and Stomach are weakened. When these organs—which are responsible for digestion, absorption, and energy metabolism—decline, the body becomes predisposed to gaining weight even with minimal food intake.

• Qi and Blood Deficiency (氣血不足): Identifying states where the basal metabolic rate has dropped due to a lack of energy sources.
• Phlegm Accumulation (痰積): Checking if accumulated waste products are obstructing the flow of metabolism.
• Functional Recovery: Strengthening gastrointestinal functions with herbal medicine to restore the ability to regulate appetite.
• Maintenance: Going through a gradual transition period to adapt to the changed metabolic environment.

Ultimately, the key lies in where you establish your body's homeostasis. Rather than imposing excessive restrictions, the first step should be assessing your current metabolic level.