A host of FABIans were part of the audience of more than 250 people that filled the Sanlam Auditorium to listen to Prof. Tim Noakes’ lecture on how the low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet he promotes improves health and decreases the incidence of Diabetes.

Prof. Noakes presented the annual Marloth Commemorative Lecture as the guest of the Southern Africa Association for the Advancement of Science (S₂A₃) and was presented with their prestigious South Africa Gold Medal in recognition of his life long work in sports medicine and dietary science. This award recognizes the exceptional contribution to the advancement of science, on a broad front or in a specialised field, by an eminent South African scientist.

The title of his lecture was Reversing the greatest blunder in the history of medicine: can South African medical science lead the way? Prof. Noakes has courted controversy with his Low Carb, High Fat diet (Banting Diet) that has seen him being maligned in some circles and praised in others. An excellent orator, he kept the audience spellbound as he spoke candidly of the scientific evidence supporting his diet plan as well as of the severe criticism he has endured, including from his peers. 

Dr Albe van der Merwe, senior lecturer in FABI and a board member of S₂A₃, presented Prof. Noakes with a T-shirt whilst the Institute also sponsored the eats and drinks enjoyed by the guests after the lecture.