Breaking Barriers in Medicine
In 1909, Lulu Hunt Peters earned her medical degree from the University of California, becoming one of the few women in a male-dominated field. She was the first woman to intern at Los Angeles County General Hospital and later led its pathology lab. Peters also served as chair of the public health committee for the California Federation of Women’s Clubs, wielding significant influence in health matters.
A Personal Mission
Peters’ focus shifted to weight loss in her 40s. Through strict discipline, she lost 70 pounds, sparking a new obsession with calories. She redirected her public health lectures to promote calorie counting as the key to weight management, introducing the concept to a broad audience at a time when it was virtually unknown.
The First Diet Bestseller
In 1918, Peters published “Diet and Health With Key to the Calories,” blending humor with scientific principles. Her book was a sensation, becoming the first diet bestseller in history. She encouraged people to think of food in terms of calorie values, such as “100 calories of bread” or “350 calories of pie.”
The Calorie Movement Begins
By 1922, Peters’ book was a bestseller alongside authors like Mark Twain. Her advocacy helped popularize calorie counting, making it a fundamental concept in nutrition that remains deeply embedded in modern dieting practices.
The Pioneer Who Made Calories Count 🍽️
Breaking Barriers in Medicine
In 1909, Lulu Hunt Peters earned her medical degree from the University of California, becoming one of the few women in a male-dominated field. She was the first woman to intern at Los Angeles County General… pic.twitter.com/8aaf3A19mV— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 10, 2024