Why Crash Diets After Chuseok Holidays Harm Your Health
Post-holiday dieting habits can lead to unexpected physical setbacks, according to medical experts warning against rapid weight-loss schemes. On September 28, Professor Yu In-sun of the Department of Family Medicine at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital outlined the physiological risks associated with drastic weight-reduction efforts following major holidays like Chuseok, when calorie-dense meals and alcohol consumption frequently cause temporary weight gain.
Physiological Risks of Fast Weight Loss
Rapid weight-loss strategies often backfire by failing to target actual body fat. Starvation diets or extreme carbohydrate restriction can cause rapid weight drops in the initial days, but Professor Yu explained that this fluctuation consists largely of glycogen and water reduction rather than a true loss of body fat. Medical data indicates that repeating restrictive eating patterns depletes essential nutrient intake and protein, leading directly to a loss of muscle mass. Furthermore, losing weight at an overly rapid pace increases the formation of gallstones, requiring heightened caution among individuals attempting sudden dietary overhauls.
Additional physical side effects frequently accompany aggressive dieting. Professor Yu pointed out that extreme caloric restriction often triggers heightened hunger, which can culminate in subsequent overeating episodes alongside symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and constipation.
Safe Post-Holiday Recovery Strategies
Medical professionals advise returning to normal dietary routines and living rhythms immediately during the next meal rather than attempting total fasting. Experts suggest that reducing daily caloric intake by approximately 500 kilocalories through smaller portions, fewer snacks, less alcohol, and lower sugar consumption can yield a sustainable weight reduction of about 0.5 kilograms per week. Combining these dietary adjustments with more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and strength training at least twice a week enhances overall effectiveness.
Professor Yu emphasized that while a single holiday meal does not dictate long-term health, maintaining holiday eating and activity patterns over several weeks can transform temporary weight gains into permanent body fat, making rapid daily recovery more valuable than rushed dieting measures.
Clinical Guidelines for Obesity Medications
Experts caution against initiating prescription weight-loss treatments solely to address short-term weight gains accumulated over a holiday period. Professor Yu stated that obesity treatments authorized domestically are intended for adult weight management under specific medical criteria and must be paired with structured diet and exercise regimens.
In South Korea, approved medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are prescribed exclusively for adults with a body mass index of 30 kilograms per square meter or higher, or 27 kilograms per square meter or higher alongside weight-related comorbidities like hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes. These formulations serve as long-term obesity treatments rather than quick fixes for short-term weight reduction.
For individuals experiencing persistent weight gain, repetitive binge eating, or severe dietary restriction, Professor Yu recommended seeking an evaluation from a family medicine specialist to assess overall weight status, concurrent medical conditions, and eating behaviors rather than attempting independent management.