Robert Coleman Atkins was an American physician and cardiologist best known for the Atkins Diet, a low-carbohydrate eating plan. He promoted his approach through a series of popular books, starting with "Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution" in 1972. His diet, which challenges conventional medical wisdom on weight loss, has been both widely adopted and heavily criticized. Despite the controversy, Atkins built a commercial empire and significantly influenced public discourse on nutrition and health until his death in 2003.