Traditional Chinese Medicine's Differentiation and Treatment of Obesity: A Guide to Four Types and Nine Medicinal Diet Methods

Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of treating weight loss, and its methods are unique, employing syndrome differentiation and treatment to achieve good results. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies obesity into four main types: First, the type caused by dietary indiscretion and phlegm-dampness stagnation. This type of obesity is caused by a preference for rich, fatty, and sweet foods, leading to physical obesity, difficulty moving, fatigue, heaviness in the head, chest tightness, a pale red tongue with a slippery or thick, greasy coating, and a soft, slippery pulse.

Secondly, the spleen and lung deficiency with qi deficiency and fluid retention type. Main symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, palpitations, edema, and drowsiness. The tongue is pale with a thin white coating, and the pulse is deep, thready, or weak and slow. Thirdly, the spleen and kidney yang deficiency with internal dampness type. Main symptoms include fatigue and lethargy, shortness of breath, wheezing upon exertion, lower back and knee weakness, lower limb edema, frequent urination at night, and palpitations. The tongue is pale with a thin, slippery white coating, and the pulse is weak and slow.

Fourthly, the phlegm-stasis obstructing the meridians and hindering qi circulation type. The main symptoms are cyanosis of the lips, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, insomnia, poor memory, excessive phlegm, and dry mouth. The tongue is dark purple with a thin coating, and the pulse is deep. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the treatment of obesity must be based on syndrome differentiation. Obesity is mostly a condition of deficiency in the root and excess in the branch. In the early stages, obesity is mainly characterized by excess symptoms, while in the later stages, it often presents mainly with deficiency symptoms.

Most obese individuals suffer from spleen and kidney qi deficiency. Their condition is primarily characterized by phlegm and dampness, often accompanied by water retention, and sometimes qi stagnation and blood stasis. Therefore, when consuming medicinal diets, it is generally advisable to use dishes, medicinal porridges, and teas that "resolve phlegm and dampness, promote diuresis and weight loss," "invigorate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, reduce weight and fat," and "nourish yin and blood, reduce weight and lower lipids" for health maintenance and treatment, which can achieve better results.

In other words, medicinal cuisine and dietary therapy allow you to lose weight, improve your skin, and stay healthy while still eating well and feeling full. The following are some methods of using medicinal cuisine and dietary therapy for weight loss:

1. Dampness-resolving method. For those with spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction, medicinal dishes, porridges, and beverages made with Chinese herbs such as Poria cocos and Coix seed can be consumed.

2. Phlegm-removing method. For those who are obese due to phlegm turbidity, medicinal dishes, porridges and beverages made with dried tangerine peel, fritillaria, angelica, and chuanxiong can be used.

3. Diuretic method. For obese people with abdominal distension, lower limb edema, and difficulty urinating, medicinal dishes, porridges, and beverages made from red beans, winter melon, and dried tangerine peel can be selected.

4. Bowel-regulating method. For those who are obese due to a fondness for rich and fatty foods, medicinal dishes, porridges, and beverages made with red peony root, rhubarb, and immature bitter orange can be used.

5. Digestive and Smoothing Method. Obese individuals suffering from liver qi stagnation, dizziness, vertigo, and irregular menstruation can use medicinal dishes, porridges, and beverages that promote blood circulation and weight loss.

6. Spleen-strengthening method. For obese people with weak spleen, medicinal dishes, porridges and beverages made with ginseng, poria, yam and other ingredients can be used.

7. Digestion and Induction Method. For obese individuals who overeat and are sedentary, resulting in significant weight gain, medicinal dishes and beverages made with hawthorn and dried tangerine peel can be used.

8. Warming Yang Method. For obese individuals who often experience spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, fatigue, and oliguria, medicinal dishes, porridges, and beverages made from ingredients such as yam, cornus officinalis, poria cocos, and coix seed can be used.

9. Nourishing Yin Method. Obese individuals with Yin deficiency and constipation can use medicinal dishes, porridges, and beverages made with tortoise shell, white fungus, etc.

The above methods of medicinal diet therapy for obesity can be used to choose one or two methods according to your own situation. Persisting with them will surely improve your health.

Choosing the right weight loss method is crucial. Many weight loss methods exist, and the best approach should be determined based on your individual health condition and obesity level. For example, those who are obese due to a preference for high-calorie foods should choose a low-calorie diet; those who are obese due to a lack of exercise should opt for exercise. Weight loss should not be rushed. I advocate a gradual weight loss method, utilizing medicinal diets and exercise to gradually eliminate excess body fat. This gradual approach prevents feelings of hunger, avoids harming the body, and allows the heart and circulatory system to maintain balance under the new internal pressures, enabling the body to adapt to the changes and achieve scientifically effective weight loss.