Tim Noakes

Timothy David Noakes (born 1949) is a South African scientist, and an emeritus professor in the Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine at the University of Cape Town. He is also a member of the National Research Foundation of South Africa, through which he has received numerous research grants and honours. Noakes has run more than 70 marathons and ultramarathons, and is the author of several books on exercise and diet.

Early Life and Education

Tim Noakes was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, but moved to South Africa at a young age. He attended the University of Cape Town, where he obtained an MBChB degree in 1974, an MD degree in 1981, and a DSc (Med) in Exercise Science in 2002.

Career

Noakes has been influential in the fields of sports science, nutrition, and exercise physiology. He has published more than 750 scientific books and articles. He is best known for his work in sports science and the physiology of exercise, particularly in relation to endurance sports. His research has covered topics such as dehydration, glycogen storage, and the role of carbohydrates in athletic performance.

One of Noakes' most controversial and influential contributions to nutrition and diet is his support of the low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHF), often referred to as the "Banting" diet in South Africa. His book, "The Real Meal Revolution", promotes this diet as a means to lose weight and improve health, challenging conventional dietary guidelines. This stance has sparked debate within the medical and nutritional communities.

Controversy

Noakes has faced criticism from some in the medical community for his promotion of the LCHF diet, particularly concerning its safety and efficacy. In 2014, he was brought before the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) over a tweet advising a mother to wean her baby onto a low-carb, high-fat diet. After a lengthy legal battle, Noakes was acquitted of all charges in 2017, with the HPCSA finding that he did not act unprofessionally.

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Noakes has made significant contributions to the understanding of exercise physiology and nutrition. His work has encouraged further research and debate on the efficacy of traditional and non-traditional dietary approaches to health and performance. He has received several awards for his contributions to sports science and medicine, including the Order of Mapungubwe, South Africa's highest honor.

Selected Publications

• Lore of Running
• The Real Meal Revolution
• Waterlogged: The Serious Problem of Overhydration in Endurance Sports

See Also

• Low-carbohydrate diet
• Exercise physiology
• Sports science