When we think of dieting, it often feels like a modern phenomenon. But the search for ways to manage our relationship with food, health, and wellness goes back centuries. In fact, what many consider the first modern “diet” dates back to the 1860s and the story of William Banting.

Banting’s personal experience sparked a public conversation about food and wellness that still resonates today. Though his approach reflects the thinking of his time, his story offers an interesting window into how early ideas about nutrition took shape.

Who Was William Banting?

William Banting was born in 1796 in London. He was a successful undertaker—a profession that at the time involved managing funeral arrangements and preparing the deceased for burial. He was well-respected in his field and lived a comfortable life.

Like many people, Banting struggled with weight gain as he entered middle age. By his fifties, he had tried numerous methods to lose weight, including exercise, spa treatments, and strict calorie restriction—all without success. His increasing weight affected his mobility and overall quality of life, leading him to continue searching for answers.

A New Approach

In 1862, Banting consulted Dr. William Harvey, who had been studying recent European research on diabetes and metabolism. Based on this work, Harvey suggested a diet low in carbohydrates, particularly sugar and starches, which at the time were commonly believed to contribute to weight gain.

Banting adopted this approach, avoiding bread, sugar, potatoes, beer, and similar foods. Instead, his meals focused on meat, fish, greens, and some fruit. Over time, Banting reported losing significant weight and improving his health.

Encouraged by his experience, he decided to share it publicly.

The First Popular Diet Book

In 1863, Banting self-published a pamphlet titled “Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public.” It outlined his personal journey and described the eating pattern that had worked for him.

How the Pamphlet Reached the Public

In the 1860s, pamphlets were one of the primary ways ideas spread to a wide audience. Affordable and easy to distribute, they allowed individuals like Banting to share their experiences directly with the public. His pamphlet’s popularity reflected a growing curiosity about self-guided approaches to health, a trend that remains familiar today.

A Widespread Impact

The pamphlet quickly gained attention, going through multiple editions and being translated into several languages. The public response was so enthusiastic that “Banting” even became a popular verb in Britain. People would ask one another, “Are you Banting?” to mean “Are you dieting?”

Why it Resonated

One reason Banting’s pamphlet resonated so strongly was that the average person in the 1860s had little access to formal nutrition advice. Medical understanding of weight and health was limited, and most treatments focused on external remedies. Banting’s firsthand account gave readers a practical approach they could try themselves, which was unusual at the time. 

His experience helped introduce the idea that everyday dietary choices could influence personal well-being. This was likely the first time that an individual’s weight-loss and wellness experience reached a mass audience, helping to shape popular interest in diet and nutrition.

From Banting to Today: A Continuing Conversation 

An Individual Experience, Not Scientific Expertise

It’s important to remember that William Banting was not a scientist or an expert in nutrition. His pamphlet reflected his personal experience and some medical understanding of the time. 

While aspects of his approach resemble modern low-carbohydrate diets, nutrition science has advanced dramatically since the 1800s.

A Shift Towards Food-Based Wellness

Banting’s story matters because it marked a cultural shift. For the first time, the idea of managing weight and wellness through food choices entered public conversation on a wide scale. 

His pamphlet helped move the focus beyond external treatments and apothecaries toward the role of daily nutrition, an idea that continues to evolve today.

A Story That Still Resonates

Modern nutrition emphasizes balance, individual needs, and the importance of sustainability and safety—concepts that were not part of Banting’s era or understanding. 

His story serves as an early chapter in the ongoing history of how we think about food and wellness. While diet trends come and go, the human desire to better understand nutrition is nothing new.