Causes of Obesity
Q. When I'm stressed, I keep binge eating. How should I solve this?
A.
✓ Check if binge eating starts after stress (emotional eating vs. true hunger). ✓ Review whether your meal patterns are irregular or if you skip meals then overeat. ✓ Lack of sleep or fatigue can impair appetite control. ✓ In Traditional Korean Medicine, binge eating often arises from Liver Qi stagnation (ganul) and Spleen deficiency (biheo) — stress blocks the Liver and weakens the Spleen, increasing cravings for sweet foods.
📝 Detailed Answer
I understand — when stressed, cravings for sweets become hard to resist. But this isn't just a willpower issue. In Traditional Korean Medicine, stress obstructs the flow of Liver Qi, creating Liver Qi stagnation (ganul). Prolonged stagnation then invades the Spleen, leading to Spleen deficiency (biheo). When the Spleen is weak, digestion suffers, and the body urgently seeks quick energy from sugars, triggering binge eating. Treatment focuses on relieving Liver stagnation with herbs like Bupleurum (siho) and White Peony (baekjakyak), while tonifying the Spleen with herbs like Atractylodes (baekchul) and Ginseng (insam). Formulas such as Xiao Yao San (soyosan) are commonly used to restore balance. However, lifestyle habits are equally critical: regular meal times, adequate sleep, and a consistent stress-relief routine form the foundation. If binge eating persists, consulting a Korean Medicine clinic for a personalized diagnosis based on your constitution and condition is recommended.
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Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director
Last reviewed 2026.05.07