What is the Dr. Now's 1200 diet plan?
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon featured on the reality show My 600-Lb Life, developed this restrictive dietary regimen for his morbidly obese patients. The core purpose of the Dr. Now's 1200 diet plan is to facilitate significant, rapid weight loss to make surgery safer and to demonstrate a patient's commitment to long-term lifestyle changes. The diet is not intended for the general public or for long-term use without strict medical supervision due to its very low-calorie nature.
The principles of the diet are summarized by the acronym F-A-T:
- Frequency: Meals are limited to two or three per day, with no snacking in between.
- Amount: The total caloric intake is capped at 1200 calories daily, often portioned into two 600-calorie meals or three 400-calorie meals.
- Type: The food consists of high-protein, high-fiber, low-carbohydrate, and low-fat options, with an absolute ban on sugar.
Approved and restricted foods
Adherence to the food list is critical for success on the Dr. Now diet. The program focuses on nutrient-dense foods that provide satiety without excessive calories.
Foods to Eat
- Lean Proteins: Egg whites, skinless poultry (chicken, turkey), lean cuts of meat, fish, and tofu.
- Vegetables: Most non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and leafy greens.
- Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries, apples, and oranges in moderation.
- Nonfat Dairy: Skim milk and plain, nonfat yogurt.
- Seeds: Chia and flax seeds for added fiber and nutrients.
- Healthy Fats (Limited): Small amounts of oil or cooking spray for preparation.
Foods to Avoid
The list of banned foods is extensive, as many are high in calories, sugar, or fat.
- Sugar and Sweets: All forms, including candy, pastries, ice cream, honey, and syrup.
- High-Sugar Fruits: Watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, and mangoes are generally restricted.
- Starchy Carbs: White and brown rice, pasta, crackers, and most breads are out. Whole-grain carbs are heavily limited.
- Potatoes: All forms, including mashed, fried, and baked.
- High-Fat Meats: Processed meats like bacon and sausage, fatty cuts of meat, and fried meats.
- Full-Fat Dairy: Full-fat cheese, sweetened yogurt, and ice cream.
- Most Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, almonds, and cashews are typically restricted due to high caloric density.
- Sugary Drinks: Sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks.
The rationale behind the diet
For Dr. Now's patients, the diet serves multiple critical purposes beyond simple weight loss. The severe calorie restriction forces the body into a significant caloric deficit, causing it to burn fat for energy. This process leads to rapid weight loss, which is necessary to achieve several key outcomes before surgery:
- Shrinking the Liver: A large, fatty liver can obstruct the surgeon's view during bariatric procedures, increasing risk. Losing weight prior to surgery helps reduce liver size.
- Reducing Complications: Preoperative weight loss is associated with a lower risk of post-surgical complications and mortality.
- Proving Commitment: Successfully adhering to the strict diet demonstrates a patient's ability to commit to the significant lifestyle changes required for long-term post-surgical success.
Comparison: Dr. Now's Diet vs. Typical 1200-Calorie Plans
| Feature | Dr. Now's 1200 Diet Plan | Standard 1200-Calorie Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Severely obese patients preparing for bariatric surgery, under medical supervision. | General public seeking weight loss (though often not medically recommended). |
| Food Restrictions | Extremely restrictive. Bans most sugars, starchy carbs, fats, and some nutritious foods like eggs and most nuts due to calorie density. | Restrictive, but generally more balanced. Focuses on nutrient-dense foods but may allow more variety. |
| Macronutrient Focus | Very high protein, high fiber, very low carbohydrate, very low fat. | Aims for a more balanced macro distribution (e.g., 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat). |
| Sustainability | Not sustainable long-term. Designed for short-term, rapid weight loss under medical care. | Also difficult to sustain long-term and often results in rebound weight gain. |
| Medical Supervision | Required and paramount due to the high risk involved. | Recommended, but often attempted without professional oversight, increasing risk. |
| Goals | Pre-surgical risk reduction, demonstration of patient commitment. | Creating a significant calorie deficit to lose weight. |
Risks and long-term outlook
The Dr. Now diet carries significant risks, especially if not followed under strict medical observation. For the average person, it is often considered unsafe and unsustainable.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: The restrictive nature of the diet makes it difficult to obtain adequate vitamins and minerals. Short-term deficiencies could become problematic if the diet is followed for too long.
- Metabolic Slowdown: The body may adapt to extreme calorie restriction by slowing its metabolic rate, which can lead to rapid rebound weight gain once the diet is stopped.
- Loss of Muscle Mass: When calories are severely limited, the body may break down muscle tissue for energy, not just fat.
- Other Side Effects: Common side effects include fatigue, irritability, nausea, hair loss, and constipation. In rare cases, gallstones can develop.
- Potential for Disordered Eating: Highly restrictive diets can foster unhealthy relationships with food and may lead to disordered eating patterns.
Sample 1200-calorie Dr. Now-style meal plan
This is a hypothetical example designed to illustrate the diet's strict high-protein, low-carb nature, not as a recommendation for unsupervised use.
- Breakfast (approx. 400 calories): Two scrambled egg whites with spinach and mushrooms, served with 2 pieces of whole-wheat toast.
- Lunch (approx. 400 calories): 3 ounces of grilled chicken breast over a large salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and bell peppers with a low-sugar vinaigrette.
- Dinner (approx. 400 calories): 4 ounces of baked salmon with a side of steamed broccoli and asparagus.
Conclusion
The Dr. Now's 1200 diet plan is a powerful, highly restrictive medical tool, not a sustainable weight-loss solution for the average person. While it has proven effective for its specific purpose—rapidly preparing morbidly obese patients for bariatric surgery under clinical guidance—the risks and extreme nature of the diet make it unsuitable for most people. Anyone considering such a low-calorie regimen should do so only under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. For lasting weight management, less restrictive, more balanced dietary changes combined with consistent physical activity are the safest and most effective approach. Read more about the risks of very low calorie diets here.
