[Hinews] [Physician's Column] By Mankee Hwang, MD, PhD, Kibon Korean Medicine Clinic

In modern society, obesity is increasingly recognized not merely as a cosmetic concern but as a serious health issue. Linked to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, obesity demands proactive management and treatment. While various diet and treatment options exist, Western obesity medications often carry risks of significant side effects. For instance, some drugs have been associated with pancreatitis or thyroid cancer, necessitating cautious decision-making by patients and healthcare providers alike.

Amid these challenges, Korean traditional medicine, or Hanuihak, is gaining attention as a safer and potentially effective alternative. Unlike Western approaches, Korean medicine views obesity not simply as weight gain but as a complex condition resulting from factors like individual constitution, imbalances in yin and yang, and dysfunctions in organ systems. Treatment focuses not only on weight loss but on restoring overall bodily balance and promoting long-term health. A key concept in this approach is “Yogi” (therapeutic hunger management), which plays a central role in Korean medicine’s obesity treatment.

Yogi, literally meaning “treating hunger,” addresses the persistent hunger and stress that often derail dieting efforts. These challenges frequently lead to weight loss failures or the dreaded yo-yo effect. Korean medicine tackles this through Yogi prescriptions, which combine specific herbal remedies to boost metabolism, regulate appetite, and alleviate hunger pangs.

Mankee Hwang, MD, PhD, Director of Kibon Korean Medicine Clinic, Adjunct Professor at Sogang University
Mankee Hwang, MD, PhD, Director of Kibon Korean Medicine Clinic, Adjunct Professor at Sogang University

Two prominent herbs in Yogi prescriptions are Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) and Coix Seed (Coix lacryma-jobi). Ma Huang raises body heat, improves blood circulation, and promotes fat breakdown, aiding weight loss. It also suppresses appetite, helping to prevent overeating. Coix Seed, known for its diuretic properties and ability to reduce edema, supports digestive function and helps curb hunger. Together, these herbs in a Yogi prescription reduce the discomfort of hunger while enhancing metabolic health, enabling sustainable weight loss.

A major strength of Korean medicine’s approach to obesity is its personalization. Treatments are tailored to a patient’s unique constitution, health status, and lifestyle, minimizing the risk of side effects. Additionally, it addresses mental well-being and stress, key factors in diet failure, fostering psychological resilience. This holistic approach prioritizes long-term health and constitutional improvement over short-term weight loss.

In conclusion, Yogi is a cornerstone of Korean medicine’s approach to obesity, offering more than just hunger relief—it regulates bodily balance to support sustainable weight management and constitutional health. Recognized as a relatively safe method, Korean medicine holds promise as a complementary solution to modern obesity challenges. Continued research and interest in concepts like Yogi could position Korean medicine as a meaningful alternative in integrative healthcare.

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