Q. I've gained about 15kg after giving birth. If I start a TKM weight loss program, how long does it usually take and what kind of changes should I expect?

Postpartum weight management is particularly challenging because the body is prone to the accumulation of 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis/stagnant blood) and 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention). These represent stagnant blood and accumulated metabolic waste; if not properly discharged, they lead to a heavy feeling in the body and cause edema to solidify into actual fat. In my clinical experience, simple calorie restriction is insufficient to clear these deep-seated wastes. Specifically, postpartum women often experience 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency). When the Spleen function is weakened, digestive absorption drops and energy levels plummet, lowering overall metabolic efficiency and making the body more prone to weight gain. Therefore, rather than indiscriminately reducing food intake, we prioritize restoring Spleen function to boost your metabolism first. Typically, the initial phase focuses on eliminating edema and detoxifying the body, followed by a phase that increases the basal metabolic rate to burn body fat. However, the intensity of the herbal prescriptions must be finely tuned based on whether you are breastfeeding and your current energy levels. Pushing too hard too fast can damage your health and trigger a severe rebound effect. It is essential that we work together to find the optimal pace tailored to your specific physical condition.