Q. I'm thinking about starting Korean herbal medicine for weight loss. Is it suitable for an office worker like me? I'm curious about who would benefit the most from it.

As a practitioner who once experienced dizziness in the clinic after excessive fasting, I believe that dieting should not be about pure endurance, but rather a process of supplementing your body's weaknesses. First, if you suffer from chronic fatigue and swell up easily even after small meals, you likely have Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾虛). When the Spleen's energy is weak and digestive metabolism drops, metabolic waste called Phlegm-rheum (痰飮) accumulates easily. In such cases, prescriptions that boost Qi and facilitate fluid metabolism are highly effective. Alternatively, if your legs always feel heavy and you have poor circulation, Blood Stasis (瘀血)—or stagnant blood—is likely the culprit hindering your weight loss. For fat to burn efficiently, blood must circulate smoothly through every part of the body. Here, herbal medicine that clears blockages and improves circulation is the priority. Office workers often find it difficult to manage their diet due to work stress and frequent company dinners (Hoeshik). Herbal medicine does more than just suppress appetite; it restores your body's balance so that your appetite is naturally regulated. Identifying the fundamental cause of weight gain and receiving a customized prescription is the shortcut to a sustainable diet without the 'yo-yo' effect.