I am now in that happy comfortable state that I do not hesitate to indulge in any fancy in regard to diet, but watch the consequences, and do not continue any course which adds to weight or bulk and consequent discomfort.

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.