Causes of Localized Obesity and Qi and Blood Regulation: Scientific Strategies for Fat Accumulation in Modern Office Workers

The manifestations of obesity are varied and ever-changing. Some people are obviously overweight at first glance. They are fat men, women, and even overweight women, their obesity being unmistakable. They are covered in belly fat, have barrel-shaped figures, are plump, and weigh excessively much. Calling them obese is not an exaggeration. However, there are some unusual obese people. They don't appear obese at all from the outside. They may even have a delicate face, slender hands and feet, a graceful figure, and a moderate build. When they step on the scale, they are never overweight, and their weight may even be below the standard.

However, a person who is not overweight or weighs less than the standard weight, and who doesn't appear obese, can still have localized obesity. "Localized obesity" refers to weight gain in a specific area of ​​the body, such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and calves. These areas are only noticeable when swimming or wearing tight clothing. Otherwise, when dressed, especially in loose-fitting clothes, the obesity can be concealed, making the bulky areas invisible. At first glance, the person appears to have a good figure and a beautiful physique, with no visible "fat."

In reality, those patches of fat are simply hidden. Eliminating localized fat is by no means easy. Localized obesity isn't necessarily related to diet. Even with small portions and a diet low in oil, sugar, and fat, localized obesity can still occur. Even slender individuals can have localized obesity. In fact, the occurrence of localized obesity is related to a lack of activity in that specific area.

When we exercise and are active, in addition to promoting blood circulation and improving metabolism, fat is less likely to accumulate, and fat is less likely to form. However, when a part of the body lacks activity, localized obesity can easily occur. For example, office workers, accountants, drivers, computer operators, cashiers, etc., sit all day long. Because their upper limbs and hands are constantly moving, blood circulation in the upper limbs is better. Therefore, fat accumulation in the upper limbs is less likely, and localized obesity in the upper body is less common.

However, the waist, abdomen, and lower limbs receive very little physical activity. Aside from occasional trips to the restroom or to hand in documents, the lower body is extremely inactive, leading to fat accumulation and localized obesity. The *Introduction to Medicine* states, "Prolonged lying or sitting weakens and stagnates Qi, inevitably impairing digestion and causing imbalances in the body's functions, resulting in the accumulation of fat and obesity." Therefore, to prevent localized obesity, it is essential to increase physical activity, promote blood circulation, prevent fat accumulation, and then burn any existing fat deposits, thus improving localized obesity.

Theory and reality often don't align. How can a driver who spends all day driving increase his physical activity? Can he exercise while driving? Can an office worker do aerobics while working in an office building? Due to the nature of their work, people with localized obesity find it difficult to increase their physical activity during their daily work. However, after get off work, they are already very tired, or they have to rush home to cook, take care of their families, do housework, and look after their children, leaving little time for exercise. Therefore, localized obesity is quite difficult to eliminate.

Some people try dieting in the hope of improving localized fat deposits. However, after a period of dieting, the localized fat may not improve at all; instead, the upper body may become slightly thinner. This is because fat in the upper body is easier to utilize, while fat in the lower body tends to accumulate. Therefore, dieting may not eliminate lower body fat in the short term. Furthermore, long-term dieting can harm health and damage organ function. Therefore, it is not advisable to engage in unhealthy dieting.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that localized obesity is often related to qi deficiency and stagnation, leading to fat accumulation and the formation of localized obesity. Therefore, to improve this condition, one should replenish qi and invigorate blood circulation, dispel stagnation, and enhance the overall flow of qi and blood in the body, making it less likely for fat to accumulate. Combining this with exercise can achieve even better results.