Professor Tim Noakes tells the story of the scientific trailblazers who paved the way for Dr. Robert Atkins’ development of his famous low-carbohydrate diet regimen. Noakes explains the science behind the diet and why the high-carbohydrate, low-fat dietary recommendations of the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s contributed to the rise of obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). He highlights the studies that convinced Atkins of the ineffectiveness of calorie-restrictive diets by demonstrating carbohydrate restriction uniquely changes the metabolism and promotes sustainable weight loss. Noakes also describes how Dr. Eric Westman, overcoming his skepticism of the diet — skepticism fueled by his belief in the faulty diet-heart and lipid hypotheses — discovered the low-carb diet improves key health markers and is an effective treatment for T2DM.