Before beginning any new diet or making significant changes to your eating habits, especially a very low-calorie diet, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice.
The Purpose and Origin of Dr. Now's Diet
The diet, often associated with a very low daily calorie intake, is part of a strict protocol developed by bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan for his patients on the show My 600-Lb. Life. The primary purpose is not general weight loss but rather a short-term, pre-surgical intervention for individuals with morbid obesity. Patients are required to lose a significant amount of weight in a short period to reduce the size of their liver, making the surgery safer and less complex. This process also serves as a test of their commitment to the radical lifestyle changes necessary for post-operative success. The calorie intake can vary, with some sources mentioning different ranges, but the underlying principles remain the same for these severe, medically-supervised cases.
The 'FAT' Principles: Frequency, Amount, and Type
Dr. Now outlines his diet with three key principles, using the acronym FAT:
- Frequency: Patients are instructed to eat two to three small, portion-controlled meals per day with no snacking in between. This helps to train them away from constant eating, a habit common among those with severe obesity.
- Amount: Calorie intake is severely restricted to a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) level, depending on the patient's individual needs and medical guidance.
- Type: The diet is focused on high protein and high fiber to promote satiety and preserve muscle mass, while being extremely low in carbohydrates and fats. Sugary and processed foods are strictly forbidden.
Allowed and Forbidden Foods
To meet the stringent caloric and nutritional requirements, patients must stick to a very specific list of foods, while avoiding many others that would be considered healthy for the general population due to their caloric density.
Foods to Include
- Lean Proteins: Egg whites, skinless chicken or turkey breast, lean cuts of beef, fish (cod, salmon, tuna), tofu, and nonfat Greek yogurt.
- Non-Starchy Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce), broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
- Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries and small apples, consumed in limited quantities.
- Minimal Fats: Cooking spray and tiny amounts of oil for cooking.
- High-Fiber Additions: Flax and chia seeds in moderation.
Foods to Strictly Avoid
- Sugars and Processed Sweets: Candy, cakes, cookies, ice cream, honey, and sweetened beverages.
- High-Carb and Starchy Foods: White and brown rice, most bread, pasta, potatoes, crackers, and popcorn.
- High-Calorie Fruits: Watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, and bananas are typically restricted due to higher sugar content.
- High-Fat Meats: Bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and other fatty meats.
- Most Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, almonds, and most seeds are forbidden due to high fat and calorie content.
Significant Health Risks and Side Effects
Because it is a very low-calorie diet, the Dr. Now program carries significant health risks and is only suitable for patients under constant medical monitoring. These risks include:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The severe restriction can lead to inadequacies of vital vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium, potentially weakening bones.
- Gallstones: Rapid weight loss, a common outcome of VLCDs, significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones.
- Muscle Loss: Without adequate energy, the body may begin to break down muscle tissue for fuel, especially if protein intake isn't high enough, leading to a weaker immune system and reduced metabolic rate.
- Fatigue and Mood Changes: The extremely low calorie intake can cause severe fatigue, nausea, and mood swings as the body struggles to function.
- Rebound Weight Gain: When the diet is discontinued, metabolic slowdown and hormonal changes can make it very difficult to sustain weight loss, often leading to rapid weight regain.
Comparison: Dr. Now's Diet vs. Sustainable Weight Loss
| Feature | Dr. Now's VLCD | Sustainable, Healthy Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Caloric Intake | Extremely low. | Moderately reduced (e.g., 1,500-2,000+ calories for most). |
| Duration | Short-term, usually for a few weeks to a few months. | Long-term lifestyle change. |
| Medical Supervision | Required and extensive due to health risks. | Recommended, but not required in all cases. |
| Purpose | Pre-bariatric surgery preparation for morbid obesity. | General health improvement and gradual weight loss. |
| Food Variety | Highly restrictive, bans many nutritious foods. | Includes a wide variety of whole foods. |
| Sustainability | Not sustainable long-term; high risk of rebound weight gain. | Focuses on building lasting, healthy habits. |
| Risk Profile | High risk of nutrient deficiency and gallstones. | Lower risk profile; side effects are less severe. |
The Critical Importance of Medical Supervision
Given its severity, the diet is not a do-it-yourself plan and should never be attempted without a doctor's oversight. The patients following this regimen are under constant medical monitoring to track their weight, vitals, and potential side effects. This is especially crucial because morbidly obese patients often have other health complications, and a drastic change in diet must be managed carefully. The diet is a tool to prepare for a life-altering surgery, not a universal solution for weight management.
Conclusion: A Tool, Not a Lifestyle
What is Dr. Now's 800 calorie diet? It is a very low-calorie, high-protein dietary regimen used as a clinical tool to achieve rapid, short-term weight loss in morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery. It is not a sustainable or healthy long-term approach for the general population due to its extreme restrictiveness and high risk of complications. The success stories on television are a result of intense medical supervision, structured behavioral therapy, and the life-saving procedure that follows. For anyone considering significant weight loss, consulting with a healthcare professional for a safe, sustainable plan is the best course of action.
For more information on very low-calorie diets and their risks, the Healthline review provides additional expert analysis.
