Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon and star of the reality TV series My 600-Lb. Life, prescribes a highly restrictive, low-calorie, high-protein diet to his morbidly obese patients. This diet is not a long-term solution for the general public, but a temporary, medically necessary tool designed for rapid weight loss before bariatric surgery. The primary goal is to reduce the significant health risks associated with surgery on extremely heavy individuals and demonstrate the patient's commitment to lifelong lifestyle changes.
The Core Principles of Dr. Now's Plan: The FAT Acronym
Dr. Now's diet is often summarized by the acronym "FAT," which stands for Frequency, Amount, and Type. This framework helps patients manage their eating habits and caloric intake effectively.
Frequency
- Eat only two to three meals per day. The plan strictly prohibits snacking between meals.
- Eliminate grazing. This rule helps patients re-establish a healthy relationship with food, moving away from constant eating and towards structured mealtimes.
Amount
- Adhere to a strict 1200-calorie limit per day. In some cases, for the most severely obese patients, the limit can be even lower, down to 1000 calories.
- Divide calories evenly. For a 1200-calorie plan, this means two 600-calorie meals or three 400-calorie meals.
Type
- Focus on high-protein and high-fiber foods. This helps promote satiety and prevent muscle loss during rapid weight reduction.
- Restrict carbohydrates and fats. The diet is notably low in both, especially from processed or sugary sources.
Approved and Forbidden Food Lists
To manage the strict caloric and nutritional guidelines, patients are given clear lists of what they can and cannot consume.
Approved Foods
- Lean Proteins: Skinless chicken breast, lean cuts of beef or turkey, fish (like salmon or tuna), egg whites, tofu, and legumes like beans.
- Non-Starchy Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms.
- Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries, apples, and citrus fruits are permitted in moderation, while higher-sugar fruits are restricted.
- Nonfat Dairy: Plain nonfat yogurt, skim milk, and low-fat cottage cheese.
- Specific Fats: Small amounts of certain fats like flax seeds and chia seeds.
- Zero-Calorie Beverages: Water, tea, and black coffee are encouraged for hydration.
Forbidden Foods
- Sugar: All forms of added sugar, honey, syrup, and desserts like cookies and ice cream.
- Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, white rice, pasta, crackers, and chips.
- Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes are completely banned due to their high carb content.
- Most Fats: Butter, oil, and most nuts and seeds are avoided to keep calories extremely low.
- Sugary Drinks: Soda, fruit juice, sports drinks, and energy drinks are prohibited.
- Processed Meats: Bacon, sausage, and fried meats are also on the forbidden list.
Comparison: Dr. Now's Diet vs. Standard Weight Loss Regimens
This table highlights the key differences between Dr. Now's extreme approach and a more typical, sustainable weight loss plan.
| Feature | Dr. Now's Diet (Pre-Surgery) | Standard Weight Loss Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Calorie Intake | Very low (1000-1200 kcal) | Moderate reduction (e.g., 1600-2400 kcal) |
| Primary Purpose | Rapid weight reduction and liver shrinkage before surgery | Gradual, sustainable weight loss for general health |
| Medical Supervision | Requires strict, professional oversight | Often self-guided or with occasional consultation |
| Food Restrictions | Extremely restrictive, banning many nutritious foods like nuts and eggs | Focuses on moderation and balance, including all food groups |
| Sustainability | Short-term, temporary plan (weeks to months) | Designed for long-term, lasting lifestyle change |
The Medical Rationale Behind the Restrictive Diet
The severity of Dr. Now's diet is directly tied to the extreme health conditions of his patients. Morbidly obese individuals face significant risks during bariatric surgery, largely due to an enlarged and fatty liver. The liver sits directly above the stomach and can obscure the surgical field, making a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure more difficult and dangerous. A very-low-calorie diet, even for a short period, effectively shrinks the liver, making surgery safer. Additionally, successfully adhering to this diet serves as a critical test, proving the patient can make the necessary long-term changes post-surgery.
Potential Risks and the Importance of Medical Supervision
For anyone not preparing for bariatric surgery, attempting a diet as restrictive as Dr. Now's is ill-advised and potentially dangerous. The plan can lead to nutrient deficiencies over the long term, as it excludes many otherwise healthy foods like certain whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats found in olive oil. Extreme calorie restriction can also slow metabolism, making sustainable weight loss harder in the future. A key distinction is that Dr. Now's patients are under constant, intensive medical supervision, with regular bloodwork and monitoring to mitigate these risks. For healthy, long-term weight management, the principles of mindful eating, portion control, and regular exercise are more suitable than this extreme approach.
In summary, what is Dr. Now's diet plan? It is a highly specialized medical protocol, not a crash diet for the general population. Its aggressive nature is a direct response to the urgent health needs of his morbidly obese patients, using a short-term, intensive strategy to enable a safer, more successful surgical outcome.
For general wellness and information on healthier eating habits, you may want to consult sources like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Conclusion
Dr. Now's diet plan is a highly specialized and aggressive protocol, developed specifically to prepare morbidly obese patients for life-saving bariatric surgery by achieving rapid initial weight loss. By following the 'FAT' principles of controlled frequency, limited amount (1200 kcal), and specific food types (high protein, low carb), patients can reduce surgical risk by shrinking the liver. However, this is a medically supervised, short-term plan that carries significant risks outside of a clinical setting and is not a suitable or sustainable option for the general population seeking long-term weight management.
