Understanding the Purpose of Dr. Now's Diet
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a Houston-based bariatric surgeon, became widely known for his role on the TV show My 600-Lb Life, where he guides severely obese patients through their weight loss journey. His diet protocol is specifically designed for these patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight quickly and safely before undergoing bariatric surgery. This pre-operative weight loss is crucial for reducing surgical complications, particularly by shrinking a patient's fatty liver, which improves access to the stomach during the procedure. The diet is not intended as a long-term or general weight loss solution for the average person, as it is highly restrictive and must be followed under strict medical supervision. It is also used to test a patient's commitment to making the profound lifestyle changes required for post-surgical success.
The Core Principles: The F.A.T. Method
Dr. Now's diet is based on three key principles, which he outlines using the acronym F.A.T.:
F: Frequency
The diet restricts eating to two or three meals per day with absolutely no snacking in between. This principle is designed to help patients manage hunger, control portion sizes, and break the cycle of constant eating that often contributed to their weight gain.
A: Amount
The diet limits daily caloric intake to a very low level, typically 1,200 calories or less. This total is divided evenly among the meals, meaning either two 600-calorie meals or three 400-calorie meals per day. Some of his most severe patients may be on an even lower-calorie plan, around 1,000 calories.
T: Type
The type of food is critical, emphasizing high-protein and high-fiber foods while being extremely low in carbohydrates and fat. The protein and fiber content help increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction, which is essential for adhering to the low-calorie limit. All sugar and processed foods are strictly prohibited.
Foods Allowed and Restricted
The diet is clear about which foods are permitted and which must be avoided to adhere to its strict caloric and macronutrient guidelines.
Allowed foods:
- Lean proteins: Egg whites, skinless chicken breast, lean cuts of beef, turkey breast, fish, tofu, beans, and low-fat Greek yogurt.
- Non-starchy vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Low-sugar fruits: Berries and small apples, but in moderation.
- Healthy Fats (in moderation): Cooking spray, small amounts of approved oils.
- Certain Seeds: Chia and flax seeds.
- Nonfat Dairy: Skim milk and nonfat plain yogurt.
- Whole-Grain Carbs (in very limited moderation): Whole wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, or tortillas.
- Beverages: Water, unsweetened tea, and black coffee.
Foods to avoid:
- Sugary Foods: Candy, cakes, cookies, ice cream, honey, syrups, soda, and fruit juices.
- Processed Meats: Bacon, sausage, and hot dogs.
- Fried Foods: Fried chicken and french fries.
- High-Carb & Refined Grains: White bread, white rice, pasta, crackers, chips, popcorn, and most cereals.
- Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes and corn.
- Most Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, almonds, cashews, and pistachios due to high-calorie density.
- High-Sugar Fruits: Watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, and mangoes.
- High-Fat Dairy: Full-fat cheeses, sweetened yogurts, and milkshakes.
Comparison: Dr. Now's Diet vs. Other Plans
The Dr. Now diet stands apart from other popular weight-loss plans due to its extreme nature and specific medical context. Here is a comparison highlighting the differences:
| Feature | Dr. Now's Diet | Typical Calorie-Deficit Diet | Ketogenic Diet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Rapid, pre-surgical weight loss for morbidly obese patients. | Gradual, sustainable weight loss for general health. | Entering a state of ketosis to burn fat for fuel. |
| Calorie Intake | Highly restrictive, typically 1,200 calories or less per day. | Moderate calorie reduction, based on individual needs and activity level. | Can vary, but is not primarily calorie-focused; some follow 1,200 calories. |
| Fat Intake | Very low, with emphasis on lean protein. | Balanced intake of healthy fats, avoiding unhealthy ones. | Very high fat intake to support ketosis. |
| Carbohydrate Intake | Very low, restricting refined and most complex carbs. | Balanced intake, often focusing on complex carbohydrates. | Extremely low, restricting almost all carbs. |
| Sustainability | Not sustainable long-term due to extreme restriction. | Designed for long-term lifestyle changes and sustainability. | Can be sustainable for some but challenging for others long-term. |
| Medical Supervision | Required due to severe restrictions and health risks. | Not typically required, but recommended for personalized guidance. | Recommended to monitor health metrics, especially initially. |
Potential Risks and Considerations
For anyone not preparing for bariatric surgery and not under medical supervision, the Dr. Now diet carries several risks and should not be attempted. These include:
- Nutrient Deficiencies: The severe calorie and food restrictions can lead to inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
- Metabolic Slowdown: Extreme calorie restriction can cause the body's metabolic rate to slow down, making weight loss more difficult and increasing the risk of rebound weight gain.
- Rebound Weight Gain: After a period of severe dieting, metabolic and hormonal changes can increase hunger and calorie intake, often leading to regaining more weight than was lost.
- Health Complications: The diet increases the risk of side effects like gallstones, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.
- Psychological Impact: Highly restrictive diets can negatively affect a person's mental health, potentially leading to anxiety, mood changes, and disordered eating patterns.
The Verdict: Is This Diet Right for You?
The Dr. Now diet is a specialized, intensive, and short-term dietary protocol with a very specific medical application: preparing morbidly obese patients for bariatric surgery. For most people seeking weight loss, a more moderate and balanced approach is far safer, more effective, and more sustainable. Sustainable weight loss focuses on creating a moderate calorie deficit, incorporating regular physical activity, and building healthy, long-term eating habits without the extreme restrictions of this medical protocol. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is always the best first step toward a healthy and lasting weight management plan.
Additional resources
- U.S. News & World Report's Best Diets: A resource for finding well-rounded, sustainable weight-loss plans (https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/best-diets-for-weight-loss)
Conclusion
Dr. Now's diet is a low-calorie, high-protein, and low-carb regimen designed for a very specific, short-term purpose under strict medical supervision. While it successfully promotes rapid pre-surgical weight loss for morbidly obese individuals, its extreme restrictiveness and potential health risks make it an unsuitable and unsustainable option for the general population. Sustainable weight loss is best achieved through balanced nutrition, mindful eating, and regular physical activity, rather than the severe limitations of this specialized medical protocol.
