Dr. Teruaki Kawanishi, a hepatobiliary specialist, graduated from Hokkaido University School of Medicine in 1992. He currently directs the Sapporo Liver Clinic in Hokkaido province. With over 25 years of experience, he is also a specialist in internal medicine, hepatobiliary diseases, gastroenterology, and medical ultrasound in Japan.

Struggling with obesity, reaching 128 kg, and fatty liver, Dr. Kawanishi developed and successfully implemented the "Nikotama Diet Method." This approach helped him lose 25 kg in three years and overcome his health issues. "Nikotama," meaning "two eggs," involves replacing one carbohydrate-rich meal (like rice or bread) with two eggs. This method, detailed in his book, has since helped over 1,000 patients with obesity and liver disease significantly improve their health.

Illustrative image. *TVBS*

Kawanishi's method involves completely eliminating common carbohydrate sources such as rice, noodles, and bread, replacing them with eggs. He continued to consume other foods as normal. The protein in eggs provided a lasting feeling of fullness, preventing hunger and reducing the need for snacks beyond small amounts of fruit between main meals.

After two years, Kawanishi successfully lost 21 kg. His health indicators improved significantly: liver function returned to normal, and conditions such as arrhythmia and gout disappeared.

This weight loss approach aligns with many international experts' views. Dr. Osama Hamdy, a nutrition and obesity specialist at Harvard Medical School in the US, highlights eggs as a high-quality protein source. They are low in calories yet rich in micronutrients. Eggs promote metabolism and take longer to digest, contributing to prolonged satiety and better portion control.

However, the complete elimination of carbohydrates remains a debated topic. Nutritionist Wang Minning from Hong Kong warns that carbohydrates are an essential energy source. According to data from the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection, an office worker requires about 1,800 kcal daily. A prolonged calorie deficit can lead to fatigue, hair loss, insomnia, irritability, and cold extremities.

To ensure safety, Wang recommends that individuals adopting this diet include one to two servings of high-quality carbohydrates daily. Good options are brown rice, whole-wheat bread, or baked potatoes (about a small cup) to maintain nutritional balance and energy levels.

By Binh Minh (Source: TVBS)