Xiao Pan had been overweight since childhood. His mother spoiled him, indulging his every food craving, which led to increasing weight gain as he grew older. During a university physical exam, Xiao Pan discovered his blood pressure had reached 160/90 mmHg and his weight was 110 kilograms. Laboratory results also revealed slightly elevated blood lipids. At just 18 years old, he had already developed metabolic syndrome.From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, Xiao Pan exhibited classic symptoms of a phlegm-dampness constitution.
Individuals with this constitution typically display the following traits: obesity, particularly marked abdominal fullness and softness; slightly puffy eyelids; oily facial skin prone to sweating; frequent chest tightness; excessive phlegm production; and persistent heaviness, soreness, and fatigue in the limbs. It's important to note that not all overweight individuals fall under this constitutional category.
The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine categorizes obese individuals into three types: greasy-type, fatty-type, and fleshy-type.
The Greasy Type refers to obesity like Xiao Pan's—a soft, protruding abdomen with abundant sticky sweat. The Fleshy Type resembles Yang Yuhuan's figure: plump yet proportionate with no other discomfort. The Muscular Type resembles athletes—perhaps overweight but generally well-proportioned with firm muscles and a modest abdomen. Only the first type requires weight loss.
What is false obesity?
False fat refers to loose, insubstantial body tissue, often appearing excessively plump in specific areas like the abdomen or face. Individuals with false fat appear significantly heavier than their actual weight. For example, someone weighing only 110 jin (approximately 70 kg) might look like they weigh at least 130 jin (over 85 kg)!
From a TCM perspective, false fat is predominantly caused by spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness. Why is this?
TCM holds that the spleen governs the transformation and transportation of fluids and dampness within the body. When spleen qi is deficient, this function is impaired, hindering the proper metabolism of fluids and dampness. Consequently, dampness accumulates internally, unable to be expelled, eventually coagulating into viscous phlegm.TCM refers to this process as phlegm transformation. When phlegm and dampness combine, they form phlegm-dampness. When phlegm-dampness accumulates to a certain extent in the body, it settles in the skin and tissues, leading to obesity.
Individuals with spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness typically exhibit the following four symptoms. See if you recognize them:
1. Obesity: Particularly abdominal obesity, where impaired spleen-stomach transformation function prevents proper dispersion of water-dampness, causing it to accumulate in the abdomen;
2. Oily Complexion: Skin serves as a metabolic pathway. Those with spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness often have oily skin prone to sebum production and acne;
3.Excessive sleepiness: High blood viscosity in spleen deficiency with phlegm-dampness leads to brain hypoxia and insufficient blood supply, resulting in sluggish reactions, slow movements, poor memory, and excessive sleepiness;
4. Teeth marks on the tongue edges: A swollen tongue with a thick, white, greasy coating and rows of teeth marks along the edges.
For those with spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness causing weight gain, dieting alone rarely works. The key lies in eliminating phlegm-dampness. How can this be achieved?Eliminating phlegm-dampness requires balancing dampness removal with warming yang. Four approaches include:
Dietary Adjustment: Select foods based on their properties. Ingredients like Chinese yam, mung beans, and coix seeds dispel phlegm-dampness, while glutinous rice exacerbates internal dampness. Those with phlegm-damp constitutions should avoid foods that promote its accumulation.
Appropriate Exercise: Physical activity promotes yang energy production, which in turn warms and transforms phlegm-dampness. Suitable exercises include light sweating activities like jogging, ball games, or cycling.
Regular Daily Routine: A consistent lifestyle enhances vital energy. Maintain regular meal times and ensure quality sleep.
Maintain a positive mindset: Psychological factors influence fluid metabolism. Impaired qi circulation disrupts water metabolism and promotes phlegm-dampness. Thus, maintaining a cheerful disposition aids fluid flow and improves phlegm-dampness constitution.
In summary, overweight individuals must address their constitution holistically—balancing diet, daily routines, exercise, and emotional well-being.