Q. Is it okay to have a drink while on a diet? Why does alcohol seem to cause so much weight gain?

Many people struggle to avoid drinking due to social obligations, often finding that 'just one drink' leads to overeating appetizers and subsequent regret. Alcohol hinders weight loss for two primary reasons. First, when alcohol enters the system, the body prioritizes the elimination of this 'toxin,' effectively pausing the burning of fat. Consequently, fat decomposition almost ceases while alcohol is being processed. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), alcohol generates 'Damp-Heat' (濕熱)—a combination of stagnant moisture and excess heat. If this persists, it develops into 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), a state where metabolic waste accumulates and stagnates. When Dam-eum builds up, it often coincides with 'Blood Stasis' (瘀血), leading to a feeling of heaviness in the body and causing edema (swelling). Individuals with 'Spleen Deficiency' (脾虛), characterized by weak digestive functions, are particularly susceptible, as even a small amount of alcohol can significantly drop digestive efficiency, making waste accumulate more easily. While alcohol may help relieve stress and maintain social ties, the downsides include the metabolic slowdown mentioned above and the loss of inhibitory control, which leads to consuming high-calorie side dishes. The swelling experienced the next day often transitions into actual fat gain. Ultimately, the key is not just whether you drink, but how your body processes alcohol. Since the capacity to handle alcohol varies by constitution and current health status, I recommend visiting the clinic to check your current energy levels and the degree of accumulated waste.