Q. I'm currently managing my diet using a calorie tracker. What approach does a Korean medicine clinic recommend?

Many people start their weight loss journey by obsessing over numbers, but this often leads to a sudden drop in energy and dizziness once the initial weight loss plateaus. Calorie-restricted diets have clear advantages: they provide objective insight into eating habits and lead to rapid initial weight loss. However, without considering your metabolic state, you risk losing muscle mass first or triggering binge eating due to extreme hunger. In TKM, this is often viewed through the lens of 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When the Spleen's function is weakened, the body's efficiency in converting food into energy drops. If you fast indiscriminately in this state, the body enters a 'survival mode,' clinging to energy stores and slowing down the metabolism further. Additionally, if there is an accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention) or 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis), you may still feel heavy and bloated regardless of how few calories you consume. In such cases, prioritizing 'circulation' and 'metabolic recovery' is more important than counting calories. Ultimately, the right approach depends on the individual. While those with an active metabolism may respond well to caloric restriction, those with low vitality and severe edema need to first nourish the body and eliminate waste products. The most efficient path to health is to first assess your body's current state to determine the correct direction for your treatment.