Herman Tarnower

Herman Tarnower (March 18, 1910 – March 10, 1980) was an American cardiologist and the author of the best-selling book The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Tarnower established a successful medical practice and a hospital in Scarsdale, New York, which led to his fame as a diet guru in the late 1970s. His diet plan, known as the Scarsdale diet, gained widespread popularity for its promises of rapid weight loss.

Early Life and Education

Herman Tarnower was born to Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn, New York. He pursued his higher education at Syracuse University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. Following this, Tarnower attended the University of Bern in Switzerland to study medicine, receiving his medical degree in the mid-1930s. After completing his medical education, he returned to the United States to begin his medical career.

Career

Tarnower started his medical practice in Scarsdale, New York, where he quickly became a respected figure in the community. His interest in cardiology led him to focus on heart-related ailments, and he was instrumental in founding the Scarsdale Medical Center. Tarnower's approach to medicine was holistic, emphasizing not just treatment but also prevention through lifestyle and dietary changes.

In the 1970s, Tarnower developed the Scarsdale diet, a low-carbohydrate, low-calorie diet plan that promised quick weight loss. He co-authored The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet with Sam Sinclair Baker, which was published in 1978. The book became a bestseller, making Tarnower a household name and popularizing the diet across the United States and beyond.

Personal Life and Death

Tarnower never married but was known to have had several significant relationships throughout his life. His most notable relationship was with Jean Harris, the headmistress of the Madeira School, a prestigious girls' school in Virginia. Their tumultuous relationship ended in tragedy when Harris was convicted of Tarnower's murder in 1980. The case received widespread media attention and was the subject of several books and movies.

Tarnower was murdered at his home in Purchase, New York, on March 10, 1980, just days before his 70th birthday. Jean Harris was found guilty of the murder in 1981 and served nearly 12 years in prison before being granted clemency by New York Governor Mario Cuomo in 1992.

Legacy

Despite the scandal surrounding his death, Tarnower's contribution to cardiology and dietetics remains significant. The Scarsdale diet, although criticized by some nutritionists for its restrictive nature, paved the way for the development of other low-carbohydrate diets. Tarnower's work in promoting heart health and preventive care has had a lasting impact on the field of cardiology.

See Also

• Scarsdale diet
• Low-carbohydrate diet
• Dieting
• Cardiology

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