The Core Philosophy: Why the Cohen Diet Isn't Calorie-Based
The Cohen diet, developed by Dr. Rami Cohen, is based on the premise that obesity is a metabolic problem caused by hormonal imbalance, not a lack of self-discipline. According to this philosophy, the key to weight loss is not to count calories but to consume specific combinations and quantities of food to reset and rebalance certain hormones, including insulin and human growth hormone (HGH). The foundation of the program is an in-depth blood test, which provides a unique biochemical profile for each individual. Based on these results, a highly personalized eating plan is created, designed to use food as a tool to trigger the body's natural fat-burning mechanisms. This is why the program's official stance is that it is 'not calorie or kilojoule based'.
Estimated Caloric Intake and the VLCD Reality
While the program does not provide a specific calorie number to follow, the food plans are severely restricted, leading to a very low daily energy intake. A testimonial from a user who ceased the program due to concerns noted their intake was around 600 calories per day, which they felt was unhealthy. This level of restriction places the Cohen diet within the medical classification of a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD). VLCDs are generally defined as providing fewer than 800 calories per day and are typically used for rapid weight loss in individuals with significant obesity, often under strict medical supervision. As the program restricts specific foods and controls portions down to precise gram measurements, the resulting low-calorie environment is a consequence of the hormonal targeting rather than the direct goal.
The Strict Rules of the Cohen Diet
Following the Cohen eating plan requires strict adherence to a specific set of rules to achieve the desired hormonal effect. Any deviation can interfere with the program's efficacy. These rules govern not just what you eat, but when and how you eat it.
Key rules of the Cohen diet include:
- Mandatory Blood Test: The program begins with a blood test to create your unique eating plan.
- Precise Portion Control: All food, including meat, vegetables, and fruit, must be weighed raw and defrosted to ensure accuracy.
- Specific Combinations: Meals consist of certain combinations of proteins and vegetables, with strict instructions on what can and cannot be mixed.
- Regular Meal Timing: Strict rules exist for the timing of meals, including a minimum of five hours between main meals to allow HGH to function optimally.
- Restricted Exercise: Strenuous exercise is limited during the initial weight loss phase due to the severe energy restriction.
- No Deviation Allowed: It is stated that even a small deviation can set back the weight loss process by a week or more.
- Refeeding Phase: After reaching the goal weight, a refeeding phase gradually reintroduces richer foods to stabilize the metabolism.
Comparison: Cohen Diet vs. General VLCD
To understand the nuances, it's helpful to compare the Cohen diet with a generic Very Low-Calorie Diet. While both involve very low energy intake, their approaches and structures differ significantly.
| Feature | Cohen Diet (Hormonal Rebalancing) | General VLCD (Calorie Restriction) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Mechanism | Correcting hormonal imbalances using specific food combinations and quantities based on a blood test. | Creating a large energy deficit by restricting daily calorie intake, typically to <800 kcal. |
| Personalization | Highly personalized based on a unique blood profile and individual needs. | Often standardized, though sometimes adjusted based on gender, age, and weight. |
| Food Source | Uses everyday grocery store foods like meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and fruit. | Frequently relies on meal replacements such as shakes, bars, and formulas to ensure nutrient adequacy. |
| Medical Supervision | Involves initial blood testing and consultations with program specialists. | Typically requires medical supervision by a doctor, especially for extended periods. |
| Duration | Followed for a determined period until goal weight is achieved, followed by a refeeding plan. | Often a short-term intervention, typically no more than 12 weeks, as per expert recommendations. |
| Post-Diet Strategy | Includes a specific refeeding and stabilization program to prevent weight regain. | Risk of rapid weight regain is high if not followed by a long-term, sustainable eating plan. |
The Risks and Rewards
Proponents of the Cohen diet praise its effectiveness in achieving rapid and significant weight loss, as evidenced by numerous success stories. Clients report benefits such as increased energy levels and improved overall health markers, potentially due to the metabolic shift. However, the strict and very-low-calorie nature of the diet presents risks. Rapid weight loss can lead to side effects including fatigue, nausea, constipation, and a higher risk of developing gallstones or gout. The severe restriction can also trigger the body's 'starvation mode' response, increasing the likelihood of regaining weight once a normal eating pattern is resumed. This is why the refeeding program is a critical component. For most individuals, adopting such a restrictive plan should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider. The official program includes consultations and blood monitoring, which aims to provide this level of oversight. You can read more about very low-calorie diets and their risks on reputable health sites, such as the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
Conclusion: The Calorie-Counter's Conundrum
In summary, the question of how many calories are in the Cohen diet has a complex answer. Officially, the program is not based on calorie counts and prohibits dieters from focusing on them. However, the prescribed food plan is so restrictive that it operates functionally as a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD), with estimated daily intake potentially falling around 600-800 calories. This severe restriction, while effective for rapid weight loss, is why the program requires such strict adherence and medical supervision. The diet's success is tied to its individualized, hormone-focused approach, but the reality is that its effectiveness largely stems from a very significant calorie deficit. It is a powerful tool for weight loss, but not a simple counting method and carries the inherent risks associated with VLCDs.
