Q. Doctor, I'm struggling with severe abdominal obesity. Which Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) diet program do you recommend the most?

I've personally tried extreme fasting in the past, and the resulting dizziness made daily life nearly impossible. Speaking from that experience, simply seeking the 'strongest medicine' is not the answer. Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) offers distinct advantages: because treatments are tailored to your specific constitution, there is less strain on the body. Instead of merely suppressing appetite, TKM boosts basal metabolism to help you overcome weight-loss plateaus and can simultaneously address secondary issues like edema and inflammation. Of course, there are some drawbacks. The unique scent and taste of herbal medicine can be unfamiliar, and the initial consultation for a personalized prescription takes considerable time. Depending on your constitution, some may experience initial side effects such as heart palpitations. For those specifically struggling with abdominal obesity, we focus on 'Dameum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention) and 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis). Think of Dameum as metabolic waste residues and Eohyeol as stagnated, 'bad' blood; when these accumulate, it is easy for the abdomen to protrude. In many cases, this is linked to 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), a deficiency in the Spleen/digestive system that impairs energy metabolism. Ultimately, the 'best' method depends on your current state. For someone with severely depleted energy, using a strong appetite suppressant can actually be counterproductive. I suggest visiting the clinic so we can determine whether your condition is rooted in Bi-heo, Dameum, or Eohyeol and design the right plan for you.