The development of the Cambridge Diet stems from the early 1960's when Dr Alan Howard became concerned about obesity and the difficulties of controlling it. He began to investigate methods of weight reduction, using himself as one of the guinea pigs.

After looking at the methods of managing weight that were available, he decided to find another way to help people achieve a healthy weight.

Together with Dr Ian McLean-Baird of the West Middlesex Hospital, in 1968 he organised a National Symposium on Obesity, the first ever held in the UK. This was a great success, and it led to a collaboration to develop the perfect diet. Their trials were very successful and led to the "Cambridge Diet".

What the Doctors aimed to achieve, was a formula food with:

• the excellent weight loss properties of starvation, but no undesirable side effects
• the right level of protein to protect lean tissue
• the right level of carbohydrate to promote a mild ketosis and eliminate a sense of hunger
• the right levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids to maintain good health

The first formula produced excellent weight loss results, and further work by food technologists enhanced flavours and led to the first commercial version of the Cambridge Diet. The effectiveness and safety of this revised formula was tested both in hospital and with outpatients.

This study demonstrated three important factors:

• remarkable weight loss
• patient acceptability and
• patient safety;

and led to the Diet becoming more available in obesity clinics in London and Cambridge. Long term safety was assessed and confirmed by further independent research in the UK, the USA and across Europe. The Cambridge Diet was launched commercially in the USA in 1980 and has been available in the UK since 1984.