Even though I diet, I keep experiencing yo-yo weight gain. What can I do to prevent it?
Check if your weight loss was too rapid, as quick loss can trigger 'starvation mode' and lower your basal metabolic rate. Ensure you didn't rely solely on extreme dieting without herbal medicine, as this can weaken Spleen function, disrupting water metabolism and causing bloating. Maintain or increase muscle mass through exercise—muscle is key to burning calories. Also, reflect on stress or sleep deprivation, which can worsen Spleen deficiency and promote rebound weight gain.
Yo-yo weight gain is not simply a matter of willpower; it results from disruption of the body's metabolic system. In Traditional Korean Medicine, obesity is attributed primarily to Spleen deficiency (biheo, 脾虛), phlegm-fluid retention (dameum, 痰飮), and blood stasis (eohyeol, 瘀血). Rebound weight gain is especially linked to Spleen deficiency. The Spleen transforms food into qi and nutrients; when weakened, residues accumulate as phlegm-dampness or blood stasis, leading to swelling, easy weight gain, and quick re-gain after loss. I personally experienced yo-yo effects from extreme dieting, and later learned that severe calorie restriction exhausts the Spleen, worsening the cycle. In TKM, it's said that 'damaging the Spleen and Stomach causes weight to return.' To prevent yo-yo, adjust the pace of weight loss and focus on restoring Spleen function. Herbal formulas that both tonify Spleen deficiency and resolve phlegm-dampness are available. Also, replace cold drinks and raw foods with warm porridge or soups. Since individual constitution and lifestyle differ, I recommend visiting a clinic for a personalized consultation. Going slowly and without strain is often the fastest path.
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