Q. I run hard on the treadmill but still can't lose weight. Is there a proper way to do it?

If you push yourself on the treadmill but see no results—I've been there too. In Traditional Korean Medicine, the issue isn't simply insufficient exercise; it's how your body uses energy. Common patterns include Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾虛) or accumulated Phlegm-Fluid Retention (痰飮), where muscles burn water or waste instead of fat. This means running harder may leave body fat unchanged while straining your joints. First, check your exercise approach: ✓ Intensity: If you can't hold a short conversation, you're burning blood sugar first. For fat burning, maintain a 'talkable' intensity—slightly breathless but able to exchange brief sentences. ✓ Timing: Fasted exercise can worsen Spleen Qi Deficiency in those with weak digestion. Starting 30–60 minutes after a meal supports digestion and fat oxidation. ✓ Frequency & Duration: Short sessions under 20 minutes burn minimal fat. You need at least 40 minutes per session, 4+ times weekly, for your body to adapt and improve fat mobilization. ✓ Don't rely only on cardio: Strength training raises basal metabolic rate and prevents rebound weight gain. From a TKM perspective, you need to supplement Qi (氣) while dissolving fat. For example, if Spleen Qi Deficiency has weakened your muscles, treatments like Qi-tonifying herbs or acupuncture can build a foundation first, making exercise more effective. Rather than blindly sticking to the treadmill, identifying why you're not losing weight is the faster path. In our clinic, we assess your constitution and digestion to provide personalized exercise guidance. Don't waste effort spinning your wheels alone.