Q. If I start dieting in the spring, how much weight can I lose by summer? I'm curious about the changes that happen at each stage.

Many people try extreme fasting, which often leads to dizziness and fatigue, severely impacting daily productivity. Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) dieting is not about simply reducing a number on the scale, but about transforming the internal 'environment' of your body. In the Initial Stage (Weeks 1–2), we focus on eliminating 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), which refers to accumulated phlegm and fluid retention caused by metabolic waste. Clearing these impurities is essential for smoothing out your overall metabolism, and you will first notice your body feeling significantly lighter. During the Adaptation Stage (Weeks 3–8), the focus shifts to active fat burning. For those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a deficiency in Spleen function leading to poor digestion and absorption, we supplement vital energy (Qi) while burning body fat. This is the core phase where we prioritize losing unnecessary fat while preserving lean muscle mass. Finally, in the Maintenance Stage (Week 8 onwards), we manage 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血), or blood stasis. Blood stasis refers to stagnant blood and waste products; resolving this improves blood circulation and helps your new weight settle as your body's natural set point, preventing the yo-yo effect. Starting in spring and progressing toward summer, the goal is to experience a transition toward a 'comfortable state' for your body rather than chasing an unrealistic number. For a precise schedule tailored to your specific constitution and body composition, we recommend a clinical consultation.