What is the purpose of the 1200 calorie diet on My 600-lb Life?
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, the bariatric surgeon featured on the popular TLC reality series, implements this highly restrictive dietary plan for a very specific and critical purpose: to prepare morbidly obese patients for weight loss surgery. This is not a sustainable, long-term diet plan for the average person, but rather a short-term, medically supervised intervention with several key objectives:
- Rapid weight reduction: Many patients begin Dr. Now's program weighing well over 600 pounds. A quick initial weight loss is necessary to reduce the significant health risks associated with obesity, such as diabetes and heart disease, before a major surgery can be performed safely.
- Liver size reduction: Obesity often leads to a fatty liver. A low-calorie, low-carb diet helps to shrink the liver, making the surgery significantly less risky and technically easier for the surgeon.
- Testing patient commitment: Dr. Now uses the diet as a crucial test of a patient's dedication. If they cannot follow the strict rules of this regimen, it is unlikely they will be able to adhere to the permanent and drastic lifestyle changes required after bariatric surgery.
- Programming new eating habits: The diet forces a radical break from a patient's history of food addiction and unhealthy eating patterns. It helps reset their relationship with food and prepares them for the very small food portions they will need to consume post-surgery.
The 'FAT' principle: Frequency, Amount, and Type
Dr. Now's approach is often summarized by the acronym F.A.T., which stands for Frequency, Amount, and Type.
- Frequency: Patients are instructed to eat only two to three meals per day and avoid all snacking. This helps break the cycle of constant grazing and impulsive eating that contributed to their weight gain.
- Amount: The strict 1,200-calorie limit must be adhered to. Meals are typically proportioned to be 400 calories each for three meals a day, or 600 calories for two.
- Type: The focus is on high-protein, low-fat, low-carbohydrate, and high-fiber foods. Sugars, processed foods, and high-calorie fats are strictly prohibited to maximize nutrient density within the calorie cap.
What the diet includes and excludes
The 1200-calorie diet on My 600-lb Life is built on a foundation of specific food choices. The following lists detail the typical food items patients are allowed versus those they must avoid:
Allowed Foods
- Lean proteins (e.g., chicken breast, turkey, fish, egg whites, tofu)
- Non-starchy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, peppers)
- Limited whole grains (e.g., whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat tortillas)
- Nonfat dairy products (e.g., plain nonfat yogurt, skim milk)
- Low-sugar fruits (e.g., berries, apples)
Restricted Foods
- Sugary drinks, sodas, and juices
- Processed, fried, and fast foods
- High-carb items (e.g., pasta, rice, white bread)
- High-sugar fruits (e.g., bananas, watermelon, mango)
- Most nuts and seeds due to high calorie density
- Oils, butter, and rich sauces
- Snacks and desserts
Comparison: My 600-lb Life diet vs. a typical healthy diet
| Feature | My 600-lb Life 1200-Calorie Diet | Standard Healthy Weight Loss Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Rapid, short-term pre-surgery weight loss for morbidly obese patients. | Gradual, sustainable, long-term lifestyle change for general health. |
| Calorie Intake | Strictly 1,200 calories or less daily, under medical supervision. | Typically a modest calorie deficit (e.g., 500 calories less than maintenance). |
| Food Restrictions | Very high restriction, eliminating many healthy foods like nuts and certain fruits. | Emphasizes balanced intake of all food groups, including healthy fats and whole grains. |
| Duration | Short-term, often for a few months leading up to surgery. | Long-term and intended for lifelong maintenance of weight loss. |
| Supervision | Intensive, one-on-one medical supervision by a bariatric surgeon and team. | Can be self-directed or with guidance from a dietitian or nutritionist. |
| Sustainability | Considered largely unsustainable for the general population due to its restrictive nature and low calories. | Designed for long-term adherence and metabolic health. |
The challenges and risks of the 1200-calorie diet
For the patients on My 600-lb Life, the diet is incredibly difficult. Their profound food addiction and history of consuming thousands of calories daily make the transition to 1,200 calories a shocking challenge, both physically and psychologically. Many fail to meet the initial weight loss goals due to the intense cravings and psychological barriers.
For the general population, attempting this diet without medical supervision is ill-advised and poses significant health risks. Potential issues include nutrient deficiencies, muscle mass loss, fatigue, irritability, and a severely slowed metabolism. The severe restriction also often leads to rapid weight regain once the diet is stopped, as the body's metabolic rate has adapted to conserve energy. Health experts overwhelmingly recommend more moderate, sustainable approaches for lasting weight loss. Learn more about the pros and cons of the Dr. Now diet on Healthline.
Conclusion
The 1200 calorie diet on My 600-lb Life is an extreme and highly specific medical tool designed for morbidly obese individuals undergoing a supervised weight loss journey toward surgery. It is not a sustainable or healthy diet for the average person seeking moderate weight loss. While its principles of high protein, low carb, and no snacking are sound in isolation, the combination and strict calorie limit are suitable only under the direct care of a bariatric specialist like Dr. Now. For most people, a balanced, moderately reduced-calorie diet with a focus on whole foods is a far safer and more effective strategy for long-term health and weight management.
