At one time I thought the Editor of the Lancet would kindly publish a letter from me on the subject, but further reflection led me to doubt whether so insignificant an individual would be noticed without some special introduction.

Banting’s pamphlet was popular for years to come and would be used as a model for modern diets. December 1796 – 16 March 1878) was a formerly obese English undertaker who was the first to popularise a weight loss diet based on limiting intake of refined and easily digestible carbohydrates. His own diet was four meals per day consisting of meat greens fruits and dry wine.

He undertook his dietary changes at the suggestion of Dr. William Banting (c.