Q. Diet drugs like Saxenda or Wegovy are very popular these days. Which is better: those medications or Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) treatment?

I personally understand the desperation for results, having experienced the exhaustion and dizziness that come from extreme fasting or overly potent medications in the past. Western medications have a clear advantage: they act directly on the brain to suppress appetite quickly. However, gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting are common, and the 'yo-yo effect'—where appetite surges immediately after stopping the drug—is a frequent challenge. On the other hand, TKM focuses on changing the 'internal environment' of the body. The goal is to enhance metabolic capacity by clearing out 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, stagnant blood) and 'Dameum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention) that obstruct the circulation of Qi and Blood. In particular, if you are in a state of 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen deficiency), it is crucial to first normalize your digestive and absorptive functions to prevent a loss of vital energy. Admittedly, TKM may show slower initial results compared to Western drugs, and some may experience discomfort if the herbal formula is not perfectly tailored to their specific constitution. Ultimately, rather than asking which is 'better,' it is more important to ask, 'What does my body need right now?' If you suffer from severe gastrointestinal distress or depleted physical strength, TKM treatments that fortify the body first will be a much more comfortable and sustainable choice. We can determine the best approach for you during a consultation.