[2][3] He was well known for his work in self-experimentation which led to many discoveries, including his personal diet, multiple publications and his expansive blog.

The generalized validity of Robert's conclusions have been questioned by scientists who assert that his experiments lacked a control group, were not blinded, and were potentially biased.

[4] Professor Tyler Cowen called Roberts' theme of experimenting on the self the "highest stage of science".

[13] After Roberts read a report by Israel Ramirez studying the effect of saccharin on weight gain in rats, he thought of his new theory "in seconds".

"[13] The diet has been endorsed or mentioned by Tyler Cowen, Stephen Dubner, Tim Ferriss, Tucker Max and Wired Magazine writer Gary Wolf.

[24] The Shangri-La Diet was also featured on Good Morning America, where journalist Diane Sawyer tried a tablespoon of olive oil.

[25][26] In September 2001, Dr. Ranjit Chandra, a prominent nutrition researcher, published a study about the effects of vitamin supplementation on the cognitive functions of the elderly.

"[further explanation needed][29] The story received recognition in both the British Medical Journal and the New York Times.