✓ Digestive ability: often indicates spleen deficiency (pi xu). When spleen function weakens, food cannot be transformed into energy and is stored as fat. Even with poor appetite or indigestion, weight gain occurs. ✓ Qi-blood circulation: blood stasis (yu xue) or phlegm (tan yin) may be the cause. Poor circulation allows waste buildup, manifesting as stubborn fat on thighs and hips. Cold hands/feet or a heavy sensation are red flags. ✓ Water metabolism: dampness (shi) retention. The body swells, face is puffy in the morning, and sweating is minimal. Exercise alone brings slow weight change. ✓ Stress response: liver depression (gan yu) is key. Stress impairs liver function, disrupting appetite control and causing cravings for sweets and carbs. Emotional swings or insomnia often accompany. At first, I didn't fully grasp the idea that causes differ by constitution. After some trial and error, I realized the core is to combine these four criteria for individualized pattern identification (bian zheng). If any of these apply to you, please visit us for a simple consultation and pulse diagnosis. Feel free to ask without burden.