The Walker Diet is the brainchild of Dr. John Joseph Walker, a respected member of the medical community and long-term advocate of a healthy low carb diet program. For a detailed look at the doctor's views and recommendations, click on this link: FAQ. But we've only just scratched the surface – let's meet the good doctor!

As a gastroenterologist (the branch of medicine concerned with the structure, functions, diseases, and pathology of the stomach and intestines), Dr. Walker has been practicing for more than 11 years. In this time, he has worked to help and heal countless patients, and in the process, has come to develop a sharp and diverse understanding of the mechanics behind weight loss and control.

As he had long struggled with his own weight through his teen years and young adulthood, Dr. Walker knows firsthand the difficulties associated with weight management. After experiencing personal success with low carb dieting, he found this lifestyle to be very effective at treating his patients' various liver and digestive disorders. These experiences were instrumental in his development of the Walker Diet.

But what path did Dr. Walker take on his journey to helping people with their weight? Well, a career in medicine was decided at an early age. A powerful combination – a lifelong fascination with science and learning, the desire to help his fellow man, and his happy and strong family background – made it the logical career choice. Additionally, his own well-being may have been a guiding force in his focus on weight management, and better health in general. Afflicted with allergies, and reliant on prescription allergy medicine, Dr. Walker decided to explore more natural alternatives, which led him to the world of vitamins and nutrients. He later realized that this newfound passion for natural healing, when combined with his medical knowledge and experience, could have a dramatic effect in helping his patients.

Hailing from White Plains, New York, Dr. Walker attended that state's Siena College. As a biology/pre-med major, he graduated with the highest honors. This was followed by medical school at Syracuse's SUNY Health Science Center, where he served his residency and chief residency. The decision to focus on gastroenterology was an easy choice. The high level of patient contact in both the office and during the procedures was a very important factor. Another element was that working within this field would mean taking care of multiple organs, rather than only one, such as the heart or kidneys. Finally, during his internship, Dr. Walker's father almost bled to death from a gastric ulcer, and this experience undoubtedly had an effect on him as a young intern.

Dr. Walker completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology in June of 1993 at Syracuse's SUNY campus. He was now ready to put his education and talents to good use helping people. It was in Syracuse that he has spent a great portion of his professional career, working at a handful of institutions over a twelve-year period. During this time, he served as a clinical assistant professor, while also devoting himself to hands-on field work. In the process, he was trained in several advanced endoscopic techniques. And throughout this period, he continued to shape his theories and findings on the subject of dieting and weight management.

Dr. Walker has received various honors, including the President's Letter of Commendation in1987, awarded by the head of the college. Dr. Walker was also honored as one of the "Best Doctors in America" -- not once, but 4 times, in 1996, 1998, 2002 and 2003. This award, which is determined by the physician's community peers, is of special merit, as it means that the chosen physicians have proven themselves to their fellow physicians and neighbors.

Dr. Walker is a member of several medical organizations, including: the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Gastroenterology. Additionally, from 1998 to the present day, he has served as a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Vitacost.com. Dr. Walker is board certified as a Diplomate by both the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine Subspecialty: Gastroenterology. He has also found the time to write a collection of medical papers, many of which have been published in journals, including Gastroenterology and the American Journal of Physiology. He has also served as a reviewer for the journal Diabetes Care.

Dr. Walker, along with his wife and three children, now calls the state of North Carolina his home. He is licensed in both North Carolina and New York, and he provides dedicated care for his patients, both as a gastroenterologist, and in the field of weight management.