Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a renowned bariatric surgeon featured on the reality show My 600-Lb Life, is known for his strict, no-nonsense approach to weight loss. Before his patients can undergo bariatric surgery, they must prove their commitment by losing a substantial amount of weight on a very low-calorie diet (VLCD). A frequent question among viewers is exactly how many calories do Dr. Now's patients eat? The answer is a highly controlled diet, designed for a specific medical purpose.
The Purpose of the Very-Low-Calorie Diet
For most people, a very low-calorie diet would be considered dangerous and unsustainable. However, for Dr. Now's patients, who are often morbidly obese, this extreme caloric restriction serves several critical purposes:
- Reduces Surgical Risk: Extreme obesity increases the risks associated with any surgery. By losing a significant amount of weight, patients lower the chances of complications during and after the procedure.
- Shrinks the Liver: Morbidly obese individuals often have enlarged, fatty livers. A very low-calorie diet can shrink the liver size, making bariatric surgery safer and easier for the surgeon to perform.
- Demonstrates Commitment: Following such a strict diet is a way for patients to prove to Dr. Now and themselves that they can adhere to the profound lifestyle changes required for long-term weight loss success after surgery.
- Boosts Initial Weight Loss: The dramatic calorie deficit creates rapid initial weight loss, which can provide a psychological boost and build momentum for the patient's long-term journey.
Dr. Now's Dietary Principles: The F.A.T. Method
Dr. Now outlines his diet principles using the acronym F.A.T., which stands for Frequency, Amount, and Type.
Frequency
- No snacking: Patients are restricted to planned meals per day, with absolutely no snacking in between. This helps them break the cycle of constant eating and retrains their relationship with food.
Amount
- Caloric Limit: The daily caloric intake is strictly limited, with some patients starting at a very low calorie level.
- Portion Control: Portion sizes are closely monitored to ensure the calorie targets are met without overconsumption.
Type
- High Protein, Low Carb/Fat: The diet emphasizes high-protein and high-fiber foods while strictly limiting fats and carbohydrates. Protein helps with satiety and muscle preservation, crucial for a very low-calorie diet.
- Elimination of Sugar: All forms of sugar are prohibited, including sodas, fruit juices, and most high-sugar fruits. Artificial sweeteners may be allowed in moderation.
Approved and Forbidden Foods
The rigidity of the diet means that many foods commonly perceived as healthy are off-limits, particularly due to their caloric density.
Foods Allowed:
- Lean proteins (e.g., egg whites, skinless chicken breast, fish, tofu)
- Non-starchy vegetables (e.g., spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
- Low-sugar fruits (e.g., berries)
- Non-fat dairy (e.g., plain non-fat yogurt, skim milk)
- Chia and flax seeds (in moderation)
- Water and calorie-free beverages
Foods to Avoid:
- Sugar and sweets (cookies, candy, soda)
- Fried foods and processed meats
- Starchy vegetables (e.g., potatoes, peas)
- Certain fruits (e.g., bananas, watermelon, cantaloupe)
- Most nuts and seeds (due to high calorie count)
- Carbohydrates like bread, rice, pasta, and oatmeal
- Creamy sauces and high-fat condiments
A Comparison: Dr. Now's Pre-Op Diet vs. a Standard Healthy Diet
This table highlights the stark differences between the temporary, medically-supervised diet and a long-term, sustainable eating plan.
| Feature | Dr. Now's Pre-Op Diet | Standard Healthy Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Rapid weight loss, liver shrinkage, surgical preparation | Sustainable weight management, overall health, preventing chronic disease |
| Caloric Intake | Very low | Varies by individual (e.g., 1,600-3,000 kcal), focused on balance |
| Macronutrients | High protein, very low carbohydrate and fat | Balanced distribution across protein, carbohydrates, and fats |
| Allowed Foods | Very limited list, with many nutritious foods restricted | Wide variety of whole foods, including all fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats |
| Duration | Short-term, usually for a few weeks to months | Long-term, lifelong commitment to healthy habits |
| Medical Supervision | Required, with frequent check-ins and lab work | Encouraged, especially for specific conditions, but not strictly required |
The Role of Medical Supervision
It is critical to emphasize that Dr. Now's diet is not a regimen to be undertaken without strict medical oversight. The extreme caloric restriction poses risks that must be monitored by a healthcare professional. For the severely obese patients, the potential benefits of making it to surgery outweigh the short-term risks, but this balance is not applicable to the general population. Long-term adherence to such a diet can lead to metabolic slowdown, nutrient deficiencies, and rebound weight gain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how many calories do Dr. Now's patients eat? The answer is a specific, medically-directed amount, as a preparatory step for bariatric surgery. This is not a diet for the general public but a necessary, short-term intervention for individuals facing life-threatening obesity. The diet's strict high-protein, low-carb, and low-fat structure is designed to promote rapid weight loss and reduce surgical complications. Ultimately, the success seen on My 600-Lb Life comes not from the caloric number alone, but from the immense medical support and the patient's own commitment to changing deeply ingrained eating habits.
For more information on the diet and the principles behind it, Dr. Now has detailed his approach in his book, The Scale Does Not Lie, People Do.
