Q. Doctor, is it better to just stick to a chicken breast diet, or should I try a Traditional Korean Medicine weight loss program? Which would you recommend?

I have tried eating only chicken breast myself to get in shape, but I soon found myself feeling quite dizzy. High-protein diets focusing on chicken breast are attractive because they are low in calories and prevent muscle loss, and they are certainly more cost-effective than Korean medicine programs. However, sticking to a single food source often leads to health issues. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we call this state 'Spleen Qi Deficiency' (Biheo). When the Spleen—which is responsible for digestive functions—weakens, your energy levels drop and your body can shift into a state where it is difficult to lose weight. If metabolic waste known as 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum) begins to accumulate due to poor digestion, you may suffer from facial swelling or constipation. In contrast, TKM weight loss starts with a thorough analysis of an individual's constitution. It boosts metabolism by clearing 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol), which refers to stagnant or impure blood. This helps reduce body fat without forced starvation, though the inconvenience of taking herbal medicine regularly and the initial cost can be a burden. Ultimately, there is no single 'correct' answer. If you have a high level of physical activity and a strong stomach, dietary management may be sufficient. However, if you fatigue easily or are struggling with age-related weight gain, I recommend improving your constitution with the help of TKM. Most importantly, take a calm look at your current physical condition first.