
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a Houston-based bariatric surgeon, is known for his expertise in weight loss management. His 1200-calorie diet is a highly restrictive, low-carbohydrate diet intended to be followed in the weeks leading up to weight loss surgery. The diet is designed to help people with obesity lose weight before surgery. It consists of lean protein, nutrient-dense foods, and low-carb options. Dr. Nowzaradan recommends that patients cut carbohydrates from their diet to reduce portion sizes. A sample menu of this low-fat, high-protein diet includes two cups of steamed broccoli, three ounces of grilled chicken, and one ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calorie Intake | 1200 calories |
| Meals per day | 2-3 |
| Food Groups | All except sugar |
| Food Types | Lean protein, nutrient-dense foods, low-carb vegetables, eggs, meat, low-fat cheese |
| Purpose | Weight loss, preparation for weight loss surgery |
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What You'll Learn

Dr Nowzaradan's diet philosophy
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a Houston-based bariatric surgeon, is known for his no-nonsense, tough-love approach to weight loss. He has developed a highly restrictive, low-carbohydrate diet intended to be followed in the weeks leading up to weight loss surgery. The diet is designed to help people with obesity lose weight before surgery.
The Dr. Nowzaradan diet plan restricts daily calorie intake to 1200 calories, divided into two to three meals per day. This low-calorie diet is often recommended for weight loss as it creates a calorie deficit leading to fat loss. Dr. Nowzaradan recommends that patients cut carbohydrates from their diet to reduce portion sizes. A 1200 calorie high-protein, low-carb diet will mainly consist of eggs, meat, and low-carb vegetables.
The diet philosophy is based on the idea that a calorie deficit will result in weight loss. Dr. Nowzaradan's diet plan typically consists of lean protein, nutrient-dense foods, and low-carb options. This diet is very stringent and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before starting any weight-loss program.
The primary concept of Dr. Now's diet plan is to reduce calorie intake to about 1200 calories a day, without excluding any food groups, except sugar. This means that individuals can lose between one to two pounds weekly. A sample menu for this diet includes dinner with two cups of steamed broccoli, three ounces of grilled chicken, and one ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese.
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Calorie deficit and weight loss
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a renowned bariatric surgeon, is known for his expertise in weight loss management. He has gained popularity for his appearance on the TV show "My 600-Lb. Life", where he helps patients with morbid obesity lose weight before surgery.
The Dr. Nowzaradan diet is a highly restrictive, low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet. It restricts daily calorie intake to 1200 calories, divided into two to three meals per day. This low-calorie diet is often recommended for weight loss as it creates a calorie deficit leading to fat loss.
A calorie deficit occurs when your body expends more energy than it takes in through food. This can be achieved by reducing your calorie intake, increasing physical activity, or a combination of both. When this deficit is created, your body turns to its fat stores for energy, resulting in weight loss.
Dr. Nowzaradan's 1200-calorie diet consists primarily of low-fat, high-protein, and low-carb foods. It includes eggs, meat, and low-carb vegetables. For example, a dinner meal could consist of 2 cups of steamed broccoli (100 calories), 3 ounces of grilled chicken (130 calories), and 1 ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese (50 calories). It is important to note that this diet may make you feel hungry, and one should be careful not to go below 1200 calories as it can endanger your health and deprive your body of essential nutrients.
If you are considering weight-loss surgery, it is always recommended to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan that suits your individual needs and health status.
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Low-carb, high-protein foods
Dr. Nowzaradan's 1200-calorie diet is a highly restrictive, low-carbohydrate diet intended to be followed in the weeks leading up to weight-loss surgery. The diet restricts daily calorie intake to 1200 calories, divided into two to three meals per day.
A low-carb, high-protein diet restricts the consumption of carbohydrates while promoting protein intake. This type of diet may aid weight loss and improve blood sugar levels. It may also reduce the risk factors of heart disease.
- Canned tuna
- Edamame
- Greek yoghurt
- Cheddar cheese
- Pumpkin seeds
- Pea protein powder
- Eggs
- Canned salmon
- Parmesan cheese
- Lean meats
- Nuts
- Quinoa
- Chicken
- Soy products
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Meal frequency and portion sizes
Dr. Nowzaradan's 1200-calorie diet plan is a highly restrictive diet that recommends consuming 1200 calories daily, divided into two to three meals per day. The diet is low in fat, carbohydrates, and calories, and high in protein and nutrient-dense foods.
The diet restricts daily calorie intake to 1200 calories, which is significantly less than the average daily recommended intake. Each meal on this diet plan provides approximately 400 calories. It is important to note that going below 1200 calories can endanger your health, as your body needs at least this many calories to receive the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
The diet recommends consuming lean protein sources such as eggs and meat, as well as low-carb vegetables. A sample dinner meal on this diet includes 2 cups of steamed broccoli (100 calories), 3 ounces of grilled chicken (130 calories), and 1 ounce of low-fat cheddar cheese (50 calories).
The diet also emphasizes reducing portion sizes by cutting down on carbohydrates. This can be challenging, as some foods, such as oatmeal, may need to be avoided due to their calorie and carbohydrate content.
Overall, Dr. Nowzaradan's 1200-calorie diet plan is a stringent and restrictive eating pattern that aims to help individuals lose weight by creating a calorie deficit. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet plan to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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Health considerations
Dr. Nowzaradan's 1200-calorie diet is a highly restrictive, low-carbohydrate, low-calorie, and low-fat diet intended to help patients lose weight before undergoing bariatric surgery. It is important to note that this diet is designed for individuals with morbid obesity and should be followed under medical supervision.
The 1200-calorie diet is significantly lower than the average daily calorie intake and may not be suitable or safe for everyone. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting this or any other weight-loss program to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and goals.
This diet may result in feelings of hunger, and it is important not to go below the 1200-calorie threshold as it can endanger your health and deprive your body of vital nutrients, vitamins, and energy-producing macronutrients. A balanced diet that includes all food groups, except sugar, is recommended to ensure adequate nutrition.
Dr. Nowzaradan's diet consists primarily of lean protein, nutrient-dense foods, and low-carb vegetables. It is important to note that this diet may not include enough calories to support individuals with higher energy requirements, such as those who are very active or have certain medical conditions.
Additionally, rapid weight loss can lead to health complications, including gallstones, electrolyte imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize gradual, sustainable weight loss under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Finally, while the 1200-calorie diet can be effective for weight loss, it may not be sustainable for everyone due to its restrictive nature. It is important to consider your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term goals when choosing a diet plan to ensure it is something you can stick with and maintain over time.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a highly restrictive, low-carb, low-calorie diet developed by Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon, to help patients prepare for weight loss surgery.
The diet consists of lean protein, nutrient-dense foods, and low-carb options. It includes eggs, meat, and low-carb vegetables.
It is important to remember not to go below 1200 calories as it can endanger your health. The diet may make you feel hungry. It is also not meant to be a healthy strategy for weight loss.











































