William Banting was a British undertaker who became famous for his low-carbohydrate diet in the 19th century. In 1863, he published a pamphlet titled "Letter on Corpulence," which detailed his personal struggle with obesity and how he successfully lost weight by reducing his intake of sugars and starches. His approach emphasized the importance of dietary changes over exercise for weight loss. Banting's diet laid the groundwork for modern low-carb diets and has influenced various dietary trends, including the Atkins Diet and Ketogenic Diet. His work sparked interest in the relationship between diet and health, making him a significant figure in the history of nutrition.