I'm worried after seeing the results from a childhood obesity calculator. What kind of management do you recommend at a Traditional Korean Medicine clinic?

It is completely natural for parents to feel alarmed when a childhood obesity calculator shows high figures. Many parents in their 30s to 50s, who may have struggled with weight management themselves, are often anxious to help their children avoid those same struggles. In TKM, childhood obesity is viewed not merely as excess fat, but as an accumulation of 'Damyum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid or metabolic waste) caused by stagnant circulation of Qi and Blood. Therefore, we recommend enhancing the body's internal circulation rather than resorting to forced fasting. The primary advantage of TKM management is that it does not hinder growth. By treating 'Biheo' (脾虛, Spleen deficiency or weak digestive function) with customized herbal medicine, we help the child’s constitution use energy more efficiently. This builds physical stamina while allowing for the gradual correction of dietary and lifestyle habits. Of course, there are practical considerations. Children sensitive to the scent of herbal medicine may find the treatment challenging at first. Furthermore, because we do not use extreme caloric restriction—which could jeopardize development—the numerical weight loss may seem slower compared to adult diets. Rather than focusing solely on BMI percentiles, our priority is ensuring the child's body can effectively expend energy. We focus on preventing the buildup of 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) and wastes while increasing activity levels in a way that respects the child's growth plates and overall physical condition.