Q. Is following a strict diet and exercise routine based on a calorie calculator the best way to lose weight?

I have also experienced a phase where I was overly ambitious and relied entirely on calorie calculators, only to end up feeling dizzy and struggling with insomnia. It was a lesson learned the hard way. Number-centric dieting certainly has advantages; it provides a clear guide on intake and offers a quick sense of achievement. However, the critical drawback is that the human body is not a machine. Even if two people consume the same 1,000 kcal, for one person it serves as energy, while for another, it may become 'Dam-eum' (痰飮, accumulated metabolic waste/phlegm) that toxins the body. Specifically, if you are in a state of 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, deficiency of the Spleen/digestive function), overly restricting your diet can cause a sharp drop in your vital energy (Qi). Furthermore, an obsessive focus on numbers triggers stress hormones, creating a physical environment prone to 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis/stagnant blood). When circulation is blocked, you may find that stubborn areas of fat remain while your overall health deteriorates. The key is 'flexible adaptation.' On days when you feel energized, you may refer to your calculations. However, on days when your body feels heavy or swollen, set the numbers aside and focus on rest and circulation. I suggest first observing the current state of your body's constitution.