Q. I want to know why I keep gaining weight. How can I identify the cause of my obesity?

I understand that blaming overeating for weight gain can be frustrating. Before becoming a Korean medicine doctor, I thought the same, but after clinical practice, I realized that constitution and organ function are far more important. First, Spleen Deficiency (pi xu). The spleen transforms food into energy. When it is weak, you tend to gain weight even with small meals. Symptoms include poor digestion, loose stools, and fatigue. Second, Phlegm-Fluid (tan yin). Chronic Spleen Deficiency leads to accumulation of unnecessary fluids and waste in the body. This feels like puffiness and a heavy sensation, rather than true fat. Third, Blood Stasis (yu xue). Poor blood circulation hinders waste removal, causing coldness and lowered metabolism. Signs include cold extremities, severe menstrual cramps, or dark purple veins under the tongue. Lastly, Qi Stagnation (qi yu). Stress or lack of sleep blocks Qi flow, overactivating the sympathetic nervous system, which can either spike appetite or stall metabolism. This explains why stress leads to weight gain. These four factors often intertwine. In a Korean medicine clinic, we differentiate the root cause through pulse diagnosis, tongue examination, and abdominal palpation. I cannot specify treatment cost or duration without seeing you, but if you wonder 'why only I gain weight,' feel free to visit for a consultation.