Obesity is recognized as a complex metabolic disorder that arose largely from dysregulated lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for soothing the liver and relieving depression exertes multi-target, holistic effects that simultaneously ameliorates metabolic disturbances and emotional dysfunction, thereby achieving bidirectional “metabolism–emotion” regulation. This class of formulas prevente and treate obesity by normalizing lipid metabolism, re-activating insulin signaling, rebalancing the gut–brain axis, and suppressing adipose-tissue in-flammation. In clinical practice, therapy rely primarily on oral herbal decoctions, or on decoctions combined with acupuncture or catgut embedding. Because TCM for soothing the liver and relieving depression proves effective in both preventing and managing obesity, with broad prospects for clinical application. This review systematically discusses the mechanisms and applications of such TCM, providing a more rigorous scientific basis for its future use in obesity management.

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