Q. I'm thinking about trying one of those trendy 2-week crash diets. What approach do you recommend at a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinic?

I have personally experienced the drive to lose weight quickly through fasting or excessive exercise in my younger days, which often led to such severe dizziness that it interfered with daily life. Based on that experience, I want to give you an honest perspective. Short-term diets have clear advantages; visible changes happen quickly, which provides strong motivation and a feeling of lightness in the body due to strict dietary control. However, the drawbacks are significant. Sudden fasting can easily lead to 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), weakening your digestive functions. If your digestive power drops, you risk transitioning into a constitution where you gain weight even after eating very little. Furthermore, if 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention/metabolic waste) is not properly eliminated, your body will inevitably feel heavy and bloated. There is no single 'correct' answer because every individual's constitution is different. Some patients respond well to potent prescriptions, while others must supplement their vital energy (Qi) and lose weight gradually. In particular, those with poor circulation due to 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis) need to focus on improving circulation rather than simply starving themselves. Please first determine if your body can withstand such a rigorous regimen. If you visit the clinic, we will analyze your current state together to find the safest and most effective path for you.