Dante Carrillo
The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, has gained immense popularity over the years. However, its history dates back to the 1920s when Dr. Russell Wilder first used it to treat epilepsy. Wilder also coined the term ketogenic diet and observed that the diet reduced the frequency and intensity of seizures in his patients. The idea of a keto diet was further explored by William Banting, a Victorian-era funeral director, who lost a significant amount of weight by eliminating starches and sugars from his diet. Banting wrote a booklet titled Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public, detailing his weight loss journey and meal plan. Since then, various fitness writers, scientists, and doctors have contributed to the growing popularity of the keto diet, with some promoting it for weight loss and others highlighting its potential health benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the person who wrote the first book on the keto diet | William Banting |
| Year of publishing the book | 1863 |
| Title of the book | "Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public" |
| Profession | Funeral director |
| Weight loss | 52 pounds |
| Diet | Cordial and meat |
| Year of death | 1878 |
| Total copies sold | 63,000 |
| First use of the ketogenic diet | Russell Wilder, Mayo Clinic doctor, in 1921 |
| Reason for the diet | To treat epilepsy |
| First keto diet book | Atkins Diet by Robert Atkins in 1972 |
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What You'll Learn
Russell Wilder, the first author
In the early 1920s, a Mayo Clinic doctor named Russell Wilder, M.D., developed a fat-centric diet that mimicked the effects of fasting by depleting the body of sugar. He coined the term "ketogenic diet" and tested it on people with epilepsy, finding that it effectively reduced the frequency and intensity of seizures. Wilder's discovery was the birth of the ketogenic diet, and it rapidly spread in the 1920s as an evidence-based treatment for epilepsy.
Wilder first used the ketogenic diet to treat epilepsy in 1921 and published two articles on the effects of ketonemia on epilepsy. He initially reported on the benefits of fasting for patients with epilepsy, suggesting that the positive effects on seizures might be linked to ketonemia. He then hypothesized that similar results could be achieved with a diet very rich in fat and extremely low in carbohydrates, which would induce ketogenesis. He tested this diet on three patients with epilepsy, observing the effects for the first time.
Wilder's work built upon earlier understandings of the potential benefits of fasting for epilepsy treatment. The idea of using fasting as a therapy for epilepsy dates back to approximately 500 BC, with Ancient Greek doctors, including Hippocrates, advocating for its use. In the early 20th century, Bernarr MacFadden, a prominent American physical culturist, promoted the importance of fasting for his fellow physical culturists, emphasizing the body's ability to produce ketones for energy.
Wilder's hypothesis and experimentation with the ketogenic diet marked a significant advancement in the exploration of dietary treatments for epilepsy. His findings sparked further interest and research into the potential of the ketogenic diet, which became the primary pediatric epilepsy treatment for many years. The diet fell out of favor in the 1930s with the development of new anti-convulsion seizure medications, which were easier for patients and doctors to manage than dietary changes.
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Mayo Clinic, 1921
In 1921, Dr. Russell Morse Wilder, a physician at the Mayo Clinic, developed the ketogenic diet to treat children with severe epilepsy. Wilder was a pioneer in the field of medicine and nutrition, and he is often credited as the first author to report on the use of a ketogenic diet for patients with epilepsy.
Wilder's interest in the ketogenic diet was sparked by his work on epilepsy, a condition that has been treated with fasting since 500 BC. Wilder hypothesized that a diet very rich in fat and very low in carbohydrates could provoke ketogenesis, thereby mimicking the effects of fasting and reducing seizures in epileptic patients. He tested his theory on three patients with epilepsy, and the positive results led to the rapid spread of the ketogenic diet in the 1920s.
The Mayo Clinic's ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very-low-carbohydrate diet that aims to force the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. While the diet was initially developed for the treatment of epilepsy, it has since become popular for weight loss as well. The diet typically limits carbohydrates to less than 50 grams per day, with remaining calories coming mostly from fat and a moderate amount from protein.
The New Mayo Clinic Diet’s Healthy Keto meal plan has been developed by dietitians to provide a healthier approach to the ketogenic diet. While still keeping carbs low and fats high, the Healthy Keto plan focuses on healthy fats from sources such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado, salmon, nuts, and seeds. It also includes good-for-you ingredients like berries, beans, and carb-containing vegetables, ensuring that those following the diet do not miss out on the health benefits of fiber-rich foods.
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Weight loss interest, 1972
The ketogenic diet was first discovered in 1862 by a funeral director named William Banting. Banting lost 52 pounds by eliminating starches and sugars from his diet and consuming small quantities of meat, fish, vegetables, and tea. Inspired by his success, Banting wrote a booklet in 1863 called "Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public," in which he described his daily meal plan and the benefits he experienced.
In the 1920s, the ketogenic diet began to be used clinically, particularly for the treatment of epilepsy. Mayo Clinic doctor Russell Wilder developed a "ketogenic" diet that mimicked the effects of fasting by depleting the body of sugar. Wilder's diet became an effective treatment for seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Weight loss interest in the ketogenic diet emerged in 1972 with the publication of Robert Atkins's first diet book. Atkins's book popularized the ketogenic diet as a weight loss strategy, and it gained traction in the early 1990s when it was endorsed by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey. The diet was also adopted by bodybuilders and nutrition enthusiasts, who shared their experiences and results on platforms like Reddit, contributing to its growing popularity.
The ketogenic diet has since become a mainstream weight loss approach, with many people reporting significant weight loss and improved focus while on the diet. However, it is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone, and individual results may vary. Additionally, consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially one as restrictive as keto, is always recommended.
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William Banting, 1862
In 1862, William Banting, a Victorian-era funeral director, lost 52 pounds by eliminating starches and sugars from his diet. He felt more comfortable and happier than he had in decades, so he wrote a booklet describing his daily meal plan, hoping others would follow his lead. Banting's booklet, "Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public," was published in 1863. In it, he detailed his diet of meat, fish, vegetables, and tea, and how the diet made him feel. Banting acknowledged that a keto diet might not be right for everyone and advised that anyone considering the diet should consult a physician first.
Banting's booklet became a bestseller, with over 63,000 copies sold in the UK alone in the 1860s. He wanted to help others who were struggling with their weight, as he had for three decades before finding a successful weight-loss method. Banting's diet was similar to what we now know as the keto diet, which aims to force the body into a state of ketosis, burning fat instead of carbohydrates for energy.
While Banting may have been the first to write about a keto-like diet, the idea of using diet to treat medical conditions has a long history. For example, ancient Greek doctors used fasting to treat diseases, and Hippocrates recorded fasting as a treatment for epilepsy. In the early 20th century, Bernarr MacFadden, an American physical culturist, advocated for the importance of fasting and its ability to produce ketones for energy.
It wasn't until the 1920s that the term "ketogenic diet" was coined by Dr. Russell Wilder of the Mayo Clinic. Wilder discovered that a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates could mimic the effects of fasting, and he used this diet to treat children with epilepsy successfully. Wilder's work laid the foundation for the ketogenic diet as a therapeutic option, particularly for those with epilepsy or other medical conditions that could benefit from ketosis.
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Fasting and epilepsy
The ketogenic diet was discovered in 1862 by a Victorian-era funeral director named William Banting. Banting lost 52 pounds by eliminating starches and sugars from his diet, and felt more comfortable and happier than he had in decades. He wrote a booklet describing his daily meal plan, hoping others might follow his lead.
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate meal plan that is used to manage treatment-resistant epilepsy. It is prescribed by a physician and carefully monitored by a dietitian. It is usually used in children with seizures that do not respond to medications. The diet is started in the hospital, with the child first fasting (except for water) under close medical supervision for 18-24 hours. The diet is then started, either by slowly increasing the calories or the ratio. However, most centers today do not start with a fasting period.
The ketogenic diet works by changing how the brain gets energy to function. Studies suggest that changes to metabolism may affect how much energy is available for neurons to activate a seizure under the keto diet. The keto diet is an effective treatment for seizures, with over half of children who go on the diet experiencing at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures. Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free.
The idea of using a ketogenic diet to treat epilepsy was first proposed by Mayo Clinic doctor Russell Wilder in the early 1920s. Wilder published two articles on the effects of ketonemia on epilepsy, suggesting that the benefits of fasting on seizures might be dependent on ketonemia. He hypothesized that a diet very rich in fat and very low in carbohydrates would provoke ketogenesis and observed the effects of this diet on three patients for the first time.
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Frequently asked questions
In 1863, William Banting, a former funeral director, wrote a booklet called "Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public". The booklet described his daily meal plan of cordial and meat, which helped him lose 52 pounds.
Banting knew that many people were struggling with weight loss, just as he had for three decades. He wanted to share his success with a wider audience.
No, Banting did not know that his diet was ketogenic. He simply knew that it worked for him, and wanted to share his findings.
Banting's diet consisted of small quantities of meat and fish, and limited bread, sugar, beer, milk, butter, and potatoes.
Banting acknowledged that the keto diet is not right for everyone. He advised readers to consult a physician before starting the diet.
