BRD Clinic
Only people currently living in Korea with their own Korean 010 mobile number can apply. Overseas residents are not eligible.

I'm considering pharmaceutical weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro. What approaches do you recommend at a Korean medicine clinic?

Pharmaceuticals offer the advantage of rapid weight loss, but often lead to yo-yo effects or gastrointestinal discomfort after discontinuation. Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) focuses on enhancing the body's natural metabolic rate and improving the underlying constitution. Neither is a universal answer; the most important thing is choosing the method that best fits your current health status and lifestyle rhythm.

I have personally experienced the frustration of trying to lose weight through extreme fasting, only to feel dizzy and completely drained of energy. Because of that, I truly understand the desperation and uncertainty patients feel when choosing a method. Pharmaceutical weight-loss drugs are powerful at suppressing appetite and produce fast results. However, they can cause digestive side effects such as nausea and often result in a significant 'yo-yo' effect once the medication is stopped. The strength of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) lies in 'personalization.' Rather than simply suppressing appetite, TKM aims to eliminate 'Dameum' (痰飮, accumulated metabolic waste) and resolve 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) to restore healthy circulation. For those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen deficiency), where weakened digestive functions lead to poor nutrient absorption, prescriptions designed to boost metabolic efficiency are particularly effective. One caveat is that herbal medicine may not 'switch off' your appetite as instantly or aggressively as some pharmaceuticals. Since constitutional improvement is a gradual process, this can be seen as a disadvantage for those seeking immediate results. Ultimately, there is no single correct answer. The recommendation depends on whether your body is currently exhausted and needs recovery, or if you require a powerful initial catalyst to start your journey. I invite you to visit the clinic so we can discuss your specific needs and find the best path together.

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

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