Q. Diet coffees and supplements are so trendy these days; as an Oriental Medical Doctor, what do you recommend?

I have actually gone through a period of trial and error myself, trying various trendy diet foods out of sheer enthusiasm. While I saw some initial weight loss, I eventually ended up feeling lethargic and dizzy. Most commercial diet beverages and supplements work by forcing excretion or suppressing appetite. Their primary advantage is accessibility and convenience. However, they do not address the root 'bottleneck' of your metabolism. In particular, those with weak digestive functions may experience a further decline in energy due to 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛), as the body's vital energy is depleted. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we look beyond simply eating less to investigate why the weight is not coming off. If the body is accumulated with 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste—or 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) that hinders circulation, even the best supplements will lack efficacy. These waste products must be cleared first to properly flip the body's metabolic switch. Rather than asking which product is 'best,' it is far more important to determine 'what my body needs right now.' Instead of blindly following trends, I encourage you to lighten your body first with a prescription suited to your constitution. I will work with you to find the most comfortable and effective path toward your goals.