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Causes of Obesity

Q. I keep bouncing back to my original weight even after successful dieting. Is there a way to manage my weight without the yo-yo effect?

A.

The yo-yo effect is often not a matter of willpower, but because your body's metabolic 'set point' hasn't changed. The key is to restore metabolic capacity tailored to your specific constitution rather than simply starving yourself. If you experience post-meal lethargy, frequent swelling despite low intake, or a drop in basal metabolic rate, you must first clear out metabolic waste (phlegm and stasis) from your body.

📝 Detailed Answer

Many people attempt extreme fasting, but this often triggers a 'survival mode' in the body, potentially leading to a constitution where you gain weight even with minimal intake. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), weight regain is viewed as more than just a calorie imbalance. When 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) and 'Dameum' (痰飮, accumulated fluid/phlegm) accumulate, they block the flow of Qi and Blood, significantly reducing metabolic efficiency—much like a traffic jam on a highway. Specifically, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency/weak digestive function) struggle to absorb nutrients properly while accumulating waste, making them more prone to weight gain. If you starve yourself in this state, the body breaks down muscle first, lowering your basal metabolic rate and making a yo-yo effect inevitable. To prevent this cycle, the priority is not 'eating less' but creating a 'body that burns efficiently.' We must first identify where the blockages are and whether you suffer from a deficiency of energy or an excess of metabolic waste. Only then can you maintain a healthy target weight that your body can naturally sustain. If you are curious about your current constitutional state, please feel free to visit the clinic for a personalized consultation.
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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

Last reviewed 2026.05.02

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