Q. I'm in my 50s and have failed at every diet I've tried. What methods are typically recommended at a Korean medicine clinic?

As we age, simply fasting or drastically reducing calories often fails to produce results and can lead to dizziness and extreme fatigue. For those in their 50s, the core of weight loss is not about eating less, but about restoring the body's collapsed balance. The greatest advantage of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) is its 'personalized approach.' For patients with Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where digestive and energy-producing functions are weakened, we prescribe formulas that nourish the blood and maintain physical strength while promoting weight loss. Furthermore, by clearing Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮) and Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血)—metabolic waste products in the body—blood circulation and basal metabolism are naturally improved. Of course, there are considerations. Some may find the unique scent or taste of herbal medicine unpleasant, and depending on one's constitution, initial reactions such as palpitations or insomnia may occur. Moreover, approaching this with the mindset that 'medicine alone will do everything' often leads to disappointment. Ultimately, the best method depends on 'what your body needs right now.' Prescriptions differ entirely depending on whether you have severe muscle loss or severe edema caused by hormonal changes. The safest and most effective path is to work together to find a pace of weight loss that is sustainable and tailored specifically to your body.