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

It's not easy to identify why you keep gaining weight on your own. As a Korean Medicine doctor, I initially prescribed the same treatment for all patients and failed many times. After some trial and error, I realized that each person has a different cause. In Korean Medicine, obesity is broadly classified into four types. First, Stomach Heat – excessive heat in the stomach leads to constant hunger and difficulty controlling appetite, so overeating becomes the problem. Second, Spleen Deficiency – weak spleen function impairs digestion and absorption; the body then tries to store more energy, paradoxically leading to weight gain. Third, Phlegm-Fluid – metabolic waste accumulates in the body, causing a heavy feeling, easy fatigue, and especially abdominal obesity. Fourth, Blood Stasis – poor blood circulation causes waste stagnation, edema, and easy fat accumulation; common in those with cold extremities or puffiness. In practice, most cases are mixed rather than a single type. For example, people who experience yo-yo dieting after Western medication often have both Spleen Deficiency and Phlegm-Fluid. Stomach Heat may also combine with Spleen Deficiency, leading to binge eating despite poor digestion. The key is to accurately understand your current body condition. Use the checklist above to get a rough direction, and I recommend visiting a Korean Medicine clinic for a more precise diagnosis through pulse and abdominal examination. A personalized approach is the most effective.