The Core Principles of Dr. Now's 1200
The diet regimen prescribed by Dr. Nowzaradan is based on a set of simple, yet strict, principles for his patients. He often refers to the core concepts using the acronym “FAT,” which stands for Frequency, Amount, and Type. These pillars are designed to drastically change a patient's eating habits and prepare their body for bariatric surgery.
Frequency
Unlike many conventional diet plans that advocate for frequent, small meals throughout the day, the Dr. Now diet limits eating to only two or three meals per day. This structured approach is intended to eliminate snacking and train the patient to consume food only during designated mealtimes. The goal is to break the cycle of constant eating and retrain the body's hunger signals.
Amount
The central and most famous aspect of the diet is its strict calorie limit. The '1200' refers to a maximum daily intake of 1,200 calories. For some of his most severely obese patients, this number may be even lower. The 1,200-calorie total is typically divided evenly between the two or three meals, with no additional calories from snacks or sweetened beverages. This significant caloric deficit forces the body to burn stored fat for energy, leading to rapid weight loss.
Type
To ensure nutritional needs are met despite the low calorie count, the diet emphasizes specific food types. The plan focuses on a high-protein, high-fiber, low-carbohydrate, and low-fat approach. This combination helps patients feel full, supports muscle mass retention, and avoids empty calories. Protein and fiber are prioritized for their satiating effects. All processed foods and sugar are strictly forbidden.
What to Eat and Avoid on the Plan
The Dr. Now diet provides clear guidelines on which foods are permitted and which must be avoided to adhere to the strict calorie and macro-nutrient targets. The list below is critical for any patient attempting the plan.
Foods to Include:
- Lean Protein Sources: Egg whites, skinless chicken breast, lean cuts of beef, turkey breast, fish (like salmon or tuna), tofu, and beans.
- Non-starchy Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce), broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms.
- Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries (strawberries, blueberries), apples, and pears in moderation.
- Fats (in small amounts): Cooking spray, a small amount of oil for cooking, and certain seeds like flax or chia.
- Nonfat Dairy: Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt, and skim milk.
- Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: Stevia.
- Whole Grains: Small, occasional portions of whole-wheat bread or pasta.
Foods to Avoid:
- Sugar: Candy, pastries, cookies, honey, syrup, and sweetened drinks.
- Refined Carbs: White bread, crackers, white rice, chips, and most pastas.
- High-Fat Foods: Fatty cuts of meat, bacon, processed meats, full-fat dairy, butter, and most nuts and seeds (like peanuts, almonds, and cashews).
- Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, peas, and corn.
- High-Sugar Fruits: Bananas, mangoes, cantaloupe, and fruit juices.
- Fried Foods: Anything battered or deep-fried.
- Processed Snacks: Popcorn, chips, and crackers.
Sample 1-Day Meal Plan on Dr. Now's 1200
This is an example of what a day following the diet might look like, adhering to the principles of high protein, low calories, and no snacking.
- Breakfast (approx. 400 calories): Scramble made with 2 ounces of egg whites, spinach, mushrooms, and 1 ounce of part-skim mozzarella cheese. Served with a small side of blueberries.
- Lunch (approx. 400 calories): Large salad with 3 ounces of grilled chicken breast, a generous amount of mixed leafy greens, cucumbers, and a tablespoon of light vinaigrette dressing.
- Dinner (approx. 400 calories): 3 ounces of baked salmon, served with a large portion of steamed broccoli and asparagus.
Dr. Now's 1200 vs. Standard 1200-Calorie Diets
| Feature | Dr. Now's 1200 Diet | Standard 1200-Calorie Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Rapid, short-term weight loss for morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery. | General, controlled weight loss, often for people with lower weight to lose. |
| Medical Supervision | Required and closely monitored by a medical team. | Generally self-guided, though consultation with a professional is recommended. |
| Food Restrictions | Very specific and strict list of allowed/forbidden foods, including some healthy items like nuts and eggs. | Focuses more on meeting calorie goals, with fewer specific food restrictions. |
| Sustainability | Not intended for long-term use due to its highly restrictive nature and associated health risks. | Can be managed for longer periods if well-planned, focusing on nutrient density. |
| Nutrient Balance | May lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals if not carefully supplemented. | Typically aims for a more balanced macro- and micronutrient intake within the calorie budget. |
Benefits of the Pre-Surgery Regimen
The intense nature of the Dr. Now diet provides specific medical benefits for the morbidly obese patients who are prescribed it:
- Rapid Weight Loss: The significant calorie deficit leads to quick and substantial weight reduction, which can help motivate patients and demonstrate their commitment.
- Reduced Surgical Risk: Losing a significant amount of weight, particularly visceral fat, before bariatric surgery reduces the size of the liver. This makes the procedure less risky for the patient and easier for the surgeon to perform. A 2020 study showed that even a small amount of weight loss before surgery could reduce the risk of mortality.
- Lifestyle Preparation: The strict regimen forces patients to adopt new eating patterns, learn portion control, and change their relationship with food. This serves as an intensive preparatory course for the drastic lifestyle changes required after bariatric surgery.
Risks and Considerations
Despite its effectiveness for a specific medical purpose, the Dr. Now diet comes with significant risks and is not suitable for the general population. It is critical to understand these dangers before ever considering such a restrictive plan.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The very low-calorie intake and exclusion of several nutrient-dense foods (like nuts, healthy oils, and certain fruits) can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies over time.
- Gallstones: Rapid weight loss is a known risk factor for the development of gallstones.
- Metabolic Slowdown: In response to severe calorie restriction, the body's metabolism can slow down to conserve energy. This can lead to rapid weight regain once the diet is stopped.
- Unrealistic for Long-Term: The diet is unsustainable for most people due to its extreme nature. This makes it a poor choice for long-term weight management and can contribute to a cycle of yo-yo dieting.
- Requires Medical Supervision: The diet should only be followed under the close supervision of a medical professional. The risks associated with it are too high to attempt it alone, especially for individuals not in immediate need of bariatric surgery. For more information, see Healthline's detailed review of the Dr. Now diet.
Conclusion
What is Dr. Now's 1200? It is an extremely strict, medically-supervised dietary plan for morbidly obese individuals preparing for bariatric surgery. Its purpose is to induce rapid weight loss, which significantly reduces surgical risk. Based on the principles of high protein, limited calories, and the complete elimination of processed foods and sugar, the diet retrains eating habits and helps shrink the liver. While highly effective in its specific clinical application, it is not a suitable or sustainable diet for the average person and carries substantial health risks if attempted without medical guidance. The key takeaway is that this is a medical tool, not a lifestyle diet, and should be treated as such.
