To get rid of the trouble of excess fat, you first need to understand which type of fat you belong to. Traditional Chinese medicine divides obesity into four types: Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, Dampness-Phlegm, and Damp-Heat, each with its unique causes and treatment methods. Lin Muyang, a senior TCM physician at the Changgang Street Community Health Service Center in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, reminds that in order to effectively lose weight, understanding one’s own physique is a crucial first step. Let’s explore the four types of obesity and achieve healthier weight loss more efficiently.
Qi Deficiency Type Obesity: Weak muscles, gaining weight even from drinking water
Lin Muyang mentioned that people with Qi deficiency type obesity typically accumulate fat all over the body, with weak and flaccid muscles, especially in the abdomen and waist; drinking water leads to weight gain, dieting weakens them, making it easier to gain weight; they feel full quickly after eating but get hungry soon after, along with symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, lack of energy, mental fatigue, easy sweating, frequent colds, pale tongue with teeth marks, and weak pulse. It is recommended to address Qi deficiency obesity through emotional regulation, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications.
Yang Deficiency Type Obesity: Cylindrical body shape, sensitive to cold
Lin Muyang explained that individuals with Yang deficiency type obesity tend to have a more uniform fat distribution, a cylindrical body shape, slightly chubby face, pale complexion, mental fatigue, and lethargy; they are sensitive to cold, have lower limb temperatures, some may experience lower limb swelling, and can suffer from stomach pain and diarrhea by eating cold raw fruits or vegetables. Recommendations for Yang deficiency obesity involve emotional regulation, dietary adjustments, and maintaining a balance between work and rest.
Dampness-Phlegm Type Obesity: Heavy body feeling, excessive sweating, and a preference for heavy, salty food
Lin Muyang described that individuals with Dampness-Phlegm type obesity primarily accumulate fat around the abdomen and upper thighs, with flabby and inelastic flesh, showing a lack of vitality; they tend to consume salty and rich food, feel heavy and lethargic, have sticky skin, excessive sweating, sleepiness, dislike for movement and water intake, along with symptoms like thick coating on the tongue and mouth phlegm. Managing Dampness-Phlegm type obesity involves emotional balance, a diet focused on spleen and dampness-dispersing foods, and lifestyle adjustments.
Damp-Heat Type Obesity: Sturdy physique with strong appetite
Individuals with Damp-Heat type obesity often have a sturdy physique, a strong appetite, a thick and yellow tongue coating, dry mouth, bad taste, oily skin, acne-prone, strong body odor, sticky stool, mucus, and may experience yellow discharge for women and dampness in male genitalia. Recommendations for managing Damp-Heat type obesity include emotional balance, a diet focusing on clearing heat and dampness, and living in a dry and well-ventilated environment.
Author: Nie Suqin, Intern: Huang Lihua
Images by: Haizhu District Changgang Street Community Health Service Center, Guangzhou
