Q. Diet injections like Mounjaro are very popular these days. From a Korean Medicine doctor's perspective, which method would you recommend more?

I completely understand the urgency and the desire for fast results, as I experienced my own trial and error while focusing only on efficiency during my studies. Injections are appealing because they act directly on the brain to significantly reduce appetite, making the initial stages of weight loss easier. However, over time, side effects such as indigestion or dizziness may occur, and there is often a strong tendency for the weight to return once the medication is stopped. On the other hand, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) does not simply suppress appetite but focuses on creating a state where the body 'burns' efficiently. For those with Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where the spleen's function is weak and energy is not utilized properly, it is crucial to first revitalize metabolic functions. By simultaneously clearing Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) and Phlegm-Fluid Retention (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—the waste products in the body—you will feel your condition improve as edema is reduced. Of course, the inconvenience of brewing herbal decoctions and the time required to find a prescription tailored to your specific constitution may be a drawback. It is difficult to definitively say which is superior. However, rather than simply starving or suppressing the body, I recommend looking into why your body became prone to gaining weight and addressing that root cause. Let's discuss together whether your body currently needs 'suppression' or 'recovery'.