Q. I want to know why I keep gaining weight. How do you determine the cause of my obesity?

The core of a successful diet is identifying why your body is storing energy rather than utilizing it. Starving yourself often triggers a 'survival mode' in the body, which can paradoxically make you more prone to gaining weight. Having experienced physical burnout myself during my studies by relying on caffeine and lack of sleep, I deeply empathize with this struggle. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), obesity is viewed not as a simple calorie imbalance, but as a result of 'metabolic waste.' We analyze this through three primary lenses: First, Dam-eum (痰飮, Phlegm-Fluid): This refers to a state where metabolic waste products are not properly excreted and stagnate in the body. This is likely the cause if you feel chronically heavy or experience frequent swelling. Second, Eo-hyeol (瘀血, Blood Stasis): This occurs when blood circulation is impaired, leading to 'thick' or stagnant blood. This is common when certain areas of the body are particularly resistant to weight loss or when the skin tone appears dull. Third, Bi-heo (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency): This indicates weakened function of the Spleen (the organ responsible for digestion and nutrient transport). In this paradoxical state, you may feel exhausted due to poor nutrient absorption, yet your metabolism remains slow, leading to weight gain. Since these causes vary by individual or can occur simultaneously, we do not simply provide a generic meal plan. Instead, we use pulse diagnosis and medical interviews to pinpoint exactly where your metabolic pathways are blocked. Let us work together to find the most efficient path to your health.