 Garrow was born in Dundee.He was formerly Professor of Human Nutrition, University of London, Honorary consultant physician St Bartholomew's Hospital, St Mark's Hospital, Royal London Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital.He was the head of Nutrition Research Unit at the MRC Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, and member of Department of Health Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA); Chair of the Joint Advisory Committee on Nutrition Education and the Chair of Association for the Study of Obesity.