📝 Detailed Answer
I have also experienced the frustration of obsessing over daily numbers in the name of health; it can be disheartening when a single glass of water changes the scale.
Numerical measurements, such as those from body fat calculators or InBody scans, are useful for objective assessment and providing a psychological guideline during weight-loss plateaus. However, these tools can have significant margins of error based on muscle mass and hydration levels. If you fixate solely on the numbers, you may overlook critical signals your body is sending you.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we prioritize the overall flow of the body over simple weight. For instance, when there is an accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention) or 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis), your weight may remain stagnant while your body feels heavy and bloated. Furthermore, if you are in a state of 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency/weak digestive function), blindly fasting or following a strict diet based on numbers can deplete your vital energy (Qi), inevitably leading to the yo-yo effect.
Ultimately, the best approach varies by stage. Use the numbers initially to set your direction, but as you adapt, shift your focus to your reflection in the mirror and your physical well-being. Instead of trying to fit yourself into a numerical frame, focusing on improving your body's circulation will lead to a much more sustainable transformation.