The purpose of this paper is to enhance both academic and practical understanding of downsizing by examining the effectiveness and problems of downsizing, focusing on downsizing through mass layoffs. In particular, drawing on the similarities between corporate downsizing and individual weight-loss efforts, the paper presents the problems inherent in the concept and application methods of downsizing along with corresponding countermeasures. It discusses whether downsizing, which has been introduced as a management innovation strategy, is truly a strategic measure and offers an interpretation of downsizing within a strategic conceptual framework. As a result, this paper presents the conclusion that when firms attempt workforce reductions for the purpose of cost cutting, simultaneous recruitment of necessary personnel must take place to maintain or strengthen the firm's core competencies. Additionally, through a review of the downsizing-related literature, a decision tree is presented that includes the key variables that should be addressed when deciding whether to implement downsizing.