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Special Diet Topics

A collection of diet topics for special situations, lifestyle habits, and seasonal considerations.

Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Expert VerifiedDr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director
Special Diet Topics

Q. I feel like I don't lose weight as easily as others because my metabolism is too slow. Are there any side effects to taking herbal medicine for this?

A.

For those with a slow metabolism, extreme fasting can push the body into a 'power-saving mode,' making weight loss harder. TKM herbal medicine doesn't just suppress appetite; it aims to reactivate your metabolic 'switch.' While improper prescriptions can cause palpitations, I provide customized dosages based on your specific constitution to ensure safety and effectiveness.

📝 Detailed Answer

Many people struggle with the frustration of not losing weight despite eating very little. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), a slow metabolism is often linked to 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛), where the body's ability to absorb nutrients and convert them into energy is impaired. When relying solely on conventional diet pills in this state, you may see temporary weight loss, but it often leads to severe fatigue and a stronger 'yo-yo' effect. TKM focuses on improving metabolic efficiency by removing 'phlegm-fluid' (Dameum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste—and 'blood stasis' (Eohyeol, 瘀血), which hinder circulation. Think of it as cleaning the grime off an engine so it can run smoothly again. Here is a comparison to help you understand the approach: | Category | Conventional Meds/Injectables (e.g., GLP-1) | Customized TKM Diet | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Primary Advantage | Rapid appetite suppression, convenience | Constitutional improvement & systemic metabolic activation | | Limitations | Risk of muscle loss, potential yo-yo effect after cessation | Requires individual diagnosis and preparation time | | Metabolic Impact | Centered on hormone regulation | Centered on normalizing organ functions | | Side Effect Pattern | Nausea, indigestion, etc. | Varies by constitution (e.g., palpitations if mismatched) | | Responsiveness | Relatively uniform response | Personalized response based on constitution | | Approach | Symptom control centered | Root cause (constitution) improvement centered | For those with low thyroid function or a severely sluggish metabolism, the priority is not simply increasing the strength of the medicine, but first warming the body and boosting vital energy (Qi). This ensures a safe weight loss journey without adverse effects. I invite you to visit the clinic so we can analyze your metabolic state together.
#risk-profile #comparison-table
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

Last reviewed 2026.04.27

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