A Comprehensive Analysis of Weight Loss with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Resolving Phlegm and Dampness vs. Western Medicine for Suppressing Appetite

II. Weight Loss Methods Using Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine

As we all know, planned dietary control and physical exercise are two fundamental ways to prevent obesity and lose weight. However, these two measures are ineffective for some people, especially some severely obese patients, who may need to consider medication.

Of course, these medications all have certain side effects and are not suitable for long-term use, especially not as the first line of treatment. They should be used under the guidance of a doctor, and the effects should be continuously monitored, observing the severity of side effects to avoid adverse consequences. Below are some common weight loss treatments using both traditional Chinese and Western medicine:

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for obesity is still under research and development. While there is currently no fully mature clinical experience, TCM herbs are generally milder than Western medicines and have fewer obvious side effects, which is a unique advantage. Regarding the mechanism of obesity, TCM has always believed it is most closely related to phlegm, dampness, and qi deficiency. Therefore, TCM treatment for obesity often starts with tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen, and resolving phlegm. Furthermore, because the spleen and kidneys are closely related, treating the kidneys can tonify the spleen; therefore, kidney-tonifying herbs are also used in conjunction with symptomatic treatment. Below are some commonly used TCM herbs for resolving phlegm, eliminating dampness, and aiding weight loss:

① Sophora flavescens, Pinellia ternata, Citrus reticulata peel, Atractylodes macrocephala

It is used for obese patients with damp-heat and phlegm, and can strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, clear heat and dry dampness.

② Tangerine peel, Pinellia, Poria, Licorice, Star anise, Bamboo shavings, Bitter orange peel

The treatment is the same as above, and it is especially suitable for those with qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation.

③ Tangerine peel, Pinellia, Poria, Licorice, Costus root, Atractylodes, White Atractylodes, Cyperus, Ligusticum, Angelica

It is used for women with qi stagnation and blood stasis, phlegm obstruction, obesity and infertility, and can promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, dry dampness, strengthen the spleen and lose weight.

④ Ginseng, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, Coix seed, Euryale ferox, Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, Schisandra chinensis, Eucommia ulmoides, Cinnamomum cassia, Amomum villosum, Alpinia oxyphylla, Sinapis alba, Citrus reticulata peel

This formula is used to treat obese patients with spleen and kidney qi deficiency and phlegm-dampness accumulation. It invigorates qi, strengthens the spleen, and tonifies the kidneys, with a focus on strengthening the spleen. Once the spleen's function is restored, the phlegm-dampness will naturally clear up.

⑤ Saposhnikovia divaricata, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Forsythia suspensa, Ephedra sinica, Nelumbo nucifera leaf, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Angelica sinensis, Atractylodes macrocephala, Paeonia lactiflora, Gardenia jasminoides, Glauber's salt, Rheum palmatum, Gypsum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Ta

For obesity caused by heat stagnation, experiments have shown that taking 3 grams of this formula daily can reduce weight, significantly shrink chest and abdominal circumference, and inhibit metabolism.

⑥ Astragalus membranaceus, Stephania tetrandra, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Crataegus pinnatifida, stir-fried buffalo horn, Atractylodes macrocephala, Epimedium, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Polygonum multiflorum, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Artemisia capillaris, raw rhubarb, tangerine peel

It can treat obese patients with hyperlipidemia. It has the effects of clearing heat and removing dampness, and lowering blood lipids.

⑦ Astragalus membranaceus, Citrus reticulata peel, Poria cocos, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Pinellia ternata, and Rheum palmatum

This formula invigorates qi, strengthens the spleen, and promotes diuresis. It is suitable for qi deficiency and phlegm turbidity, and also has a good effect on weight loss.

⑧ Gentian root, Lysimachia christinae, Artemisia capillaris, Gardenia jasminoides, Curcuma longa, Cassia tora, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lotus leaf

It is used for obese individuals with phlegm-dampness transforming into heat and liver heat rising upwards, in order to clear the liver, benefit the gallbladder, and resolve turbidity.

⑨ *Hymenochloa crus-galli*, *Poria cocos*, *Atractylodes macrocephala*, *Lonicera japonica* vine, *Areca catechu* peel, raw rhubarb

⑩ Alisma plantago-aquatica, Cassia tora, Nelumbo nucifera leaf, and Rheum palmatum

The above two prescriptions are suitable for obese individuals with damp-heat accumulation in the intestines, as they aim to clear turbidity, promote diuresis, and relieve constipation.

In addition, other traditional Chinese medicines and weight-loss foods that are beneficial for fitness and weight loss include:

Long-term consumption of honey can strengthen the will, lighten the body, prevent hunger, prevent aging, and prolong life.

Lotus leaves promote the upward movement of Qi in the spleen and stomach; excessive consumption can lead to emaciation.

Albizia julibrissin soothes the five internal organs and calms the mind, bringing joy and freedom from worry; long-term use can lighten the body and improve eyesight.

Euryale ferox benefits vital energy and strengthens the will; long-term consumption can lighten the body and reduce hunger.

Long-term consumption of mulberry branches can lighten the body, sharpen the senses, and make one's complexion radiant.

Kelp softens hardened tissues, promotes urination, and relieves bloating; long-term consumption can lead to weight loss.

Eating more alfalfa can invigorate the muscles and tendons, thus helping people lose weight.

Long-term consumption of yam can sharpen the senses and make one feel light and free from hunger.

Tea can clear phlegm, promote urination, clear heat and detoxify. It can also help eliminate phlegm from grime and can lead to weight loss with prolonged consumption.

Radishes aid digestion, relieve phlegm, and promote weight loss. Drinking the juice of raw radishes can quench thirst, benefit the five internal organs, and promote a lighter body.

Black fungus can replenish qi, relieve hunger, and promote a light and strong body.

Winter melon seeds are good for replenishing qi and relieving hunger. Long-term consumption can lighten the body and prevent aging.

Winter melon promotes urination, invigorates qi, promotes longevity, and relieves chest tightness. Obese individuals who wish to lose weight can consume it regularly.

2. Western medicine

1. Appetite suppressants: These medications primarily work by stimulating the hypothalamus's satiety center, controlling the appetite center, and then suppressing appetite through neural action, making it easier for obese individuals to accept dietary control. Therefore, using these medications in conjunction with dietary restriction yields better treatment results. These medications include: phenylbutazone, dextroamphetamine, benzylmethamphetamine, fluoroamphetamine, nicotinamide, chlorpheniramine, and fluorophenylpropionate, etc.

These medications have side effects that stimulate the central nervous system, such as insomnia, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Therefore, they should be used with caution. Among these medications, fluoroquinolone and fluoroquinolone esters are the most effective and have fewer side effects. However, they are contraindicated in patients with hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or severe hypertension.

2. Biguanides: including phenformin (Glucagon) and metformin. This class of drugs is very suitable for obese patients with diabetes. Common side effects include gastrointestinal reactions such as dryness and a metallic taste, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is advisable to take them after meals.

In addition, allergic reactions may occur, such as rashes and erythema. It is contraindicated in individuals with gastrointestinal diseases, impaired liver or kidney function, the elderly, and those with heart failure.

3. Thyroid hormones: These drugs can increase the body's energy expenditure, promote catabolism, and inhibit synthesis, thereby achieving weight loss. It is advisable to take them with high-protein and vitamin-rich foods. Side effects may include palpitations, irritability, insomnia, sweating, restlessness, and anger, similar to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Use with caution in patients with coronary heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and neurasthenia.

4. Drugs that inhibit intestinal absorption: Neolexine inhibits absorption, causing fatty diarrhea. However, it has serious side effects (such as intestinal ulcers, renal dysfunction, vitamin K deficiency, etc.).

Improper weight loss can lead to the blockage of digestive enzymes. This can inhibit the breakdown of amylase and thus suppress absorption, but the effect is uncertain and is still in the experimental stage.

In recent years, research on the treatment of obesity with traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine has developed rapidly and shown its effectiveness. Taking medicine as an auxiliary means of weight loss is attracting the attention of the medical community.