Q. I'm only drinking low-calorie coffee from Starbucks to lose weight; what is the Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective on this approach?

Many people start their weight loss journey with high enthusiasm, often relying on fasting or caffeine to push through. While this is convenient and immediately reduces caloric intake—using caffeine's stimulant effect to temporarily mask hunger—the drawbacks are significant. Consuming high amounts of caffeine on an empty stomach can sensitize the gastrointestinal tract. From a TKM perspective, if you have 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo/脾虛), this approach further weakens the digestive system, hindering nutrient absorption and causing a sharp drop in overall energy levels. Furthermore, for those with 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dam-eum/痰飮) or 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol/瘀血)—conditions where metabolic waste accumulates and blood circulation is stagnant—simply cutting calories will not lead to efficient weight loss. Instead, your basal metabolic rate may drop, potentially turning your body into a constitution that bloats or gains weight even with minimal food intake. Ultimately, the answer depends on your individual constitution. While a cup of coffee for relaxation is fine, it should never be a substitute for a proper meal. To achieve weight loss without the 'yo-yo effect,' you must first assess your current metabolic capacity and find a complementary nutritional plan. I encourage you to visit the clinic so we can examine your body's current state together.