Q. Doctor, which herbal weight loss prescription would you recommend for someone in my situation?

I personally experienced the struggle of extreme fasting in my youth, which left me dizzy and unable to function in daily life; because of this, I truly empathize with the hardships my patients face. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we don't simply focus on eating less, but rather investigate why your body has developed a constitution prone to weight gain. First, for those who suffer from severe edema and a feeling of heaviness, we examine 'Dameum' (痰飮, Phlegm-Fluid retention). Dameum refers to unnecessary waste products accumulated in the body. When these build up, metabolism slows down, making you feel as though you gain weight even with minimal intake. For these patients, I recommend prescriptions that facilitate the discharge of these waste products. Conversely, those who experience gastrointestinal distress or extreme fatigue after taking diet pills often suffer from 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen Deficiency). When spleen function is weakened, the absorption and transport of nutrients are impaired, which can actually trigger 'false hunger.' In such cases, rather than using aggressive suppressants, it is correct to focus on boosting energy (Qi) while gradually increasing the metabolic rate. Lastly, for those dealing with stress-induced binge eating or poor circulation, prescriptions that resolve 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, Blood Stasis) are helpful. Eohyeol refers to stagnated blood and metabolic waste; resolving this is essential for restoring smooth circulation throughout the body. Ultimately, the core of a recommended prescription lies in identifying 'what your body needs right now.' Rather than forcing weight loss through aggressive means, I encourage a tailored approach based on your current status for healthy and sustainable weight management.