My diminished girth, in tailor phraseology, was hardly conceivable even by my own friends, or my respected medical adviser, until I put on my former clothing, over what I now wear, which is a thoroughly convincing proof of the remarkable change.

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.