Q. I've seen a lot of news about regulations on obesity medications lately. Is herbal medicine for weight loss also that dangerous or heavily restricted?
Unlike standardized medications, herbal medicine is prescribed based on an individual's unique constitution, which lowers the risk of adverse reactions. However, an accurate diagnosis of your current physical state is essential before starting treatment.
📝 Detailed Answer
The medications frequently mentioned in recent news typically contain uniform ingredients, which can be burdensome for individuals with specific constitutions or underlying health conditions. In my experience, the fact that people respond so differently to the same substance makes standardized treatment challenging.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we do not simply focus on reducing weight; instead, we concentrate on resolving the constitutional issues that caused the weight gain in the first place.
- Dam-jeok (痰積, Phlegm Accumulation): A state where metabolic waste accumulates, leading to stagnation that requires improved circulation.
- Bi-heo (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency): A condition where weak digestive function impairs the proper absorption of nutrients and the excretion of waste.
- Eo-hyeol (瘀血, Blood Stasis): A state where poor blood circulation leads to recurring edema and inflammation.
Therefore, herbal weight loss treatment does not rely on one-size-fits-all drugs. Instead, the composition and dosage of herbal ingredients are adjusted to match the patient's current state. Because it does not involve forced starvation or unnaturally spiking metabolism, it is generally less taxing on the body.
💡 Treatment Approach
Individual Constitution Diagnosis $\rightarrow$ Removal of Causes for Metabolic Decline $\rightarrow$ Customized Herbal Prescription $\rightarrow$ Constitutional Improvement to Prevent Yo-yo Effect
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director