Q. I keep experiencing the yo-yo effect. Is there a way to identify the fundamental cause of obesity in my body?

Repeatedly failing at dieting often leads to self-blame, but it is frequently a result of a malfunctioning bodily system. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), obesity is not viewed simply as a calorie imbalance, but as a disruption in the flow of Qi and a decline in organ function. First, we must determine if you are in a state of Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When the Spleen's function is impaired, the body fails to absorb nutrients efficiently and instead accumulates waste. For individuals with this constitution, extreme calorie restriction further lowers the metabolic rate, accelerating the yo-yo effect. Next, it is crucial to identify the presence of Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮) and Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血). Phlegm-Fluid refers to abnormal fluid retention, while Blood Stasis refers to stagnated blood flow. When these two block the blood vessels and lymphatic system, you may encounter a prolonged 'plateau' where weight loss becomes difficult regardless of diet or exercise. Understanding which part of your system is blocked is the first priority. Forcing a diet when your body is depleted only damages your health further. Depending on whether you suffer from Spleen Deficiency or an accumulation of Phlegm and Stasis, the prescriptions and management strategies differ entirely. The most accurate way to diagnose your condition is through pulse diagnosis and medical consultation.