Understanding Metabolism: Why Weight Loss Doesn't Always Mean Fat Loss
What is metabolism? I do not have constipation or any physiological abnormalities! However, it's strange that every time I try to lose weight naturally, my body fat decreases while my weight remains the same, or my weight decreases while my body fat stays the same! What coul...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Feng Xin Xin, 1. Metabolism encompasses both anabolism (synthesis) and catabolism (breakdown), along with various physiological processes within the body. The growth, repair, reproduction, and aging of the human body are all part of a series of metabolic activities. 2....[Read More] Understanding Metabolism: Why Weight Loss Doesn't Always Mean Fat Loss
Why Do Health Supplements and Skincare Products Lose Effectiveness?
Please clarify your question! Hello, Dr. Tang: 1. Why is it that when taking a health supplement, one feels it is effective at first, but after 3 or 4 doses, it seems to lose its effectiveness? 2. Similarly, when using skincare products, why does one feel more beautiful after th...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello Ms. Ru: I am not sure what health supplements you are referring to. What do you mean by "effective"? Are you talking about weight loss pills? Generally, health supplements are meant to provide nutrients, vitamins, and other substances that the body may lack, and a...[Read More] Why Do Health Supplements and Skincare Products Lose Effectiveness?
Understanding Elevated Mercury Levels in Blood: Causes and Solutions
Heavy metals in the blood Recently, our company conducted a health examination, and my test report indicated that the mercury level in my blood exceeds the standard. However, there are no hazardous factors present in the work environment. Among the 50 individuals examined, over 3...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
In Taiwan, mercury poisoning is commonly caused by the use of traditional Chinese medicine such as cinnabar (HgS), calomel (HgCl2), and Ba Bao San. The laboratory diagnostic criteria are: blood mercury levels exceeding 10 mg/dL, or 24-hour urinary mercury levels exceeding 0.05 mg...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mercury Levels in Blood: Causes and Solutions
Chest Pain and Weight Loss: Seeking Medical Advice for Health Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, Doctor: I have two questions I would like to ask you, and I hope you can provide some guidance! 1. Recently, I have been experiencing sharp pain in my chest, particularly in the left side around the heart area, and sometimes in the sides of my a...
Dr. Lin Jizhi Reply:
Chest pain that occurs with breathing or activity can commonly be attributed to several conditions: 1. Pneumonia 2. Pleuritis 3. Musculoskeletal pain 4. Neuralgia 5. Peptic ulcer 6. Angina. Of course, without a physical examination, it is difficult to determine the exact cause. H...[Read More] Chest Pain and Weight Loss: Seeking Medical Advice for Health Concerns
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms, Biochemical Markers, and Management
Complicated diabetes 1. Why do individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus experience increased thirst, excessive urination, and increased appetite, yet also experience weight loss and fatigue? 2. A glucose level of 300 mg/dL, HbA1c of 8.8%, sodium of 133 mg/L, potassi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Diabetes can cause the classic symptoms of polyphagia (increased eating), polydipsia (increased drinking), and polyuria (increased urination). When blood sugar levels rise, glucosuria (presence of glucose in urine) occurs, which has a diuretic effect, leading to polyuria. This in...[Read More] Understanding Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms, Biochemical Markers, and Management
Effective Strategies for Gaining Weight: High-Calorie Foods to Consider
How to gain weight? Dr. Hong: Hello, I would like to ask: I weigh 44 kg and am 170 cm tall, which is quite thin! How can I gain weight? Could you please provide specific foods that are high in calories? I really need your advice, please. I feel that my body proportions are not go...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Based on your height-to-weight ratio, your weight is indeed on the lower side. However, weight loss can be related to factors such as body composition, diet, and endocrine issues (such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction). Therefore, it is recommended to first follow up with an in...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Gaining Weight: High-Calorie Foods to Consider
Is It Safe for Teens to Use Weight Loss Supplements? Expert Advice
Weight loss I am 15 years old and want to lose weight. I've always wanted to take weight loss pills, but I'm afraid they might affect my growth and development. However, someone recommended Herbalife to me, saying it is a natural product that can be consumed by all age ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, A-Rong: At the age of 15, which is still a developmental stage, weight loss should ideally be conducted under the guidance of a physician and a nutritionist to avoid improper dieting that could affect growth and health. Herbalife is a meal replacement approved by the Depar...[Read More] Is It Safe for Teens to Use Weight Loss Supplements? Expert Advice
Weight Loss and Hormonal Imbalance: When to Seek Medical Advice
Weight loss can lead to hormonal imbalances? Dear Dr. Tseng, At the end of last year, I started to lose weight gradually because I was dissatisfied with my body. I adopted a method of eating less and exercising more, and over several months, I lost about five kilograms. Although...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bing: Even when dieting, it's important to meet your basic caloric needs and ensure a balanced intake of various nutrients. If you continue to experience low menstrual flow or if the situation does not improve, please make sure to consult an endocrinologist.[Read More] Weight Loss and Hormonal Imbalance: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is It a Heart Problem? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Further Testing
Is this a heart problem? Hello Doctor: I previously had an electrocardiogram (ECG) at the hospital, which lasted only one to two minutes. The doctor diagnosed me with a slight arrhythmia and said it was nothing to worry about. However, I felt that my condition during the ECG was ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Young males can occasionally experience arrhythmias, but most are benign and transient. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, coffee, and tea, as well as maintaining a regular routine, is crucial. If symptoms persist and cause discomfort, a 24-hour Holter monitor can be arranged. Thyroid fu...[Read More] Is It a Heart Problem? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Further Testing
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management Options
Hyperthyroidism My husband is 40 years old and was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. He has been taking the medication prescribed by the doctor for about two weeks. I would like to know if individuals with this condition typically experience rapid weight loss and weakness,...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hyperthyroidism can present with various symptoms such as weight loss, palpitations, tremors, diarrhea, and insomnia. After treatment, symptoms can improve, but regardless of whether the treatment is medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy, monitoring is still necessar...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management Options
Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: Impact on Health and Weight Loss
Thyroid antibodies I would like to ask what impact thyroid antibodies have on the body. I have had a cold for two weeks and have experienced rapid weight loss. The hospital I visited informed me that I have thyroid antibodies, so I would like to know what effects this may have on...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Cocoa: A rapid weight loss could be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism requires evaluation of thyroid function, such as T3 and T4 levels. There are several types of thyroid antibodies, and a significant proportion of patients with hyperthyroidism may have these anti...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: Impact on Health and Weight Loss
How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Regarding metabolism..? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if the efficiency of my metabolism affects the speed of my weight loss? How can I determine if my metabolism is within normal values? Should I get a blood test? If so, do I need to fast before the test? If my metabolic ra...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiaomei: It is commonly understood that metabolic rate is an important factor influencing body weight; however, many studies have found that obese individuals do not necessarily have a slower metabolic rate. Therefore, measuring metabolic rate is not particularly meaningfu...[Read More] How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Effective Weight Loss: Combining Diet, Exercise, and Medication Options
Weight loss Hello, doctors: Generally speaking, weight loss requires a combination of dietary control and exercise. However, I have been exercising consistently for six months, and my weight loss has been very slow. Could medication potentially enhance the effectiveness of my wei...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Dear Linda: Weight loss through dietary control combined with exercise is the correct approach. You have been exercising for six months; I wonder if the intensity of your workouts is sufficient. There are many tempting foods around you; I would like to know if you are using low-f...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss: Combining Diet, Exercise, and Medication Options
Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain and Heat Sensation After Meals
Gastric issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. My stomach has always been problematic, and I often experience stomach pain. However, I have a specific issue: after eating a full meal, I feel a heat sensation in my stomach, and my entire back becomes numb, extending...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on what you've described, the discomfort after meals may be due to indigestion or poor peristalsis (or even ulcers). In severe cases, it can lead to head discomfort (in a minority of individuals). Please pay attention to improving your dietary habits, eating at ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain and Heat Sensation After Meals
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns
Hepatitis B carrier Three years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B through a blood test, and in September of the 89th year, I had a blood test for the E antigen, which indicated that I do not have hepatitis B. However, in June of the 89th year, I underwent a premarital health ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
As a carrier of hepatitis B, the severity of your liver disease needs to be assessed through tests such as GOT, GPT, and ultrasound examinations. There are various methods for weight loss, and obesity is primarily related to genetics, with a smaller portion influenced by dietary ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal tract I have noticed a few times that my stool contains a mucus-like, whitish substance similar to nasal mucus.
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Issues related to bowel absorption should include testing for hemoglobin levels to check for anemia and performing a fecal occult blood test to determine if it is positive. If there is also associated weight loss, a series of colon examinations should be conducted. In cases of th...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Anorexia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Anorexia Nervosa 1. Sudden loss of appetite (significant decrease in food intake) 2. Weight loss 3. Increased feelings of fullness
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal bloating in young individuals should raise concern for the following potential causes: 1. Mental health disorders, such as anorexia nervosa. 2. Thyroid dysfunction, among others. If there are any doubts, it is advisabl...[Read More] Understanding Anorexia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Is Your Weight Loss Causing Fatigue? Understanding Nutritional Deficiencies
Feeling lightheaded after weight loss? Three months ago, I was 165 cm tall and weighed 85 kg. Due to elevated uric acid and blood sugar levels, I started a weight loss regimen, eliminating meat from my diet and consuming only vegetables, fruits, and milk. Now, I weigh 65 kg, but ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: Rapid weight loss can have side effects, so it is advisable to visit a clinic to check for any other issues. Nutritional concerns can be addressed by a dietitian who can provide a low-calorie but balanced meal plan for reference. Wishing you safety and health.[Read More] Is Your Weight Loss Causing Fatigue? Understanding Nutritional Deficiencies
Understanding Persistent Hiccups, Bloating, and Constipation Issues
Persistent hiccups, constipation, and bloating? Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing severe hiccups and bloating for a long time. I have already undergone detailed examinations at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (including urinalysis, colonoscopy, ultrasound, and X-rays). The onl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: Based on what you've described, your symptoms are most likely indicative of "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" (IBS), commonly referred to as "dyspepsia." If no diseases are found during an endoscopy and there is no weight loss, you can safely take medicat...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hiccups, Bloating, and Constipation Issues
Dietary Tips for Managing Fatty Liver Disease: Causes and Precautions
Fatty liver disease What dietary considerations should be taken into account for someone diagnosed with fatty liver disease? How is fatty liver disease formed?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Fatty liver, in simple terms, means that the liver is "oily." This indicates that there is an accumulation of fat within liver cells. In Taiwan, approximately one-third of adults have fatty liver. Common causes of fatty liver include obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, e...[Read More] Dietary Tips for Managing Fatty Liver Disease: Causes and Precautions