Fad diets come and go, but the idea of dieting itself has been around for centuries. From President Taft to Victoria Beckham, and the Grapefruit Diet to Slim-Fast, here's a look at some of the most famous (and infamous) moments in dieting history.
Fad diets come and go, but the idea of dieting itself has been around for centuries. From President Taft to Victoria Beckham, and the Grapefruit Diet to Slim-Fast, here's a look at some of the most famous (and infamous) moments in dieting history.
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1820: Lord Byron popularizes the Vinegar and Water Diet, which entails drinking water mixed with apple cider vinegar.
1820: Lord Byron popularizes the Vinegar and Water Diet, which entails drinking water mixed with apple cider vinegar.
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1925: The Lucky Strike cigarette brand launches the "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet" campaign, capitalizing on nicotine's appetite-suppressing superpowers.
1925: The Lucky Strike cigarette brand launches the "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet" campaign, capitalizing on nicotine's appetite-suppressing superpowers.
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Mid-1950s: Urban legend has it that opera singer Maria Callas dropped 65 pounds on the Tapeworm Diet, allegedly by swallowing a parasite-packed pill.
Mid-1950s: Urban legend has it that opera singer Maria Callas dropped 65 pounds on the Tapeworm Diet, allegedly by swallowing a parasite-packed pill.
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1963: Weight Watchers is founded by Jean Nidetch, a self-described "overweight housewife obsessed with cookies."
1963: Weight Watchers is founded by Jean Nidetch, a self-described "overweight housewife obsessed with cookies."
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1970: The Sleeping Beauty Diet, which involves sedation, is rumored to have been tried by Elvis.
1970: The Sleeping Beauty Diet, which involves sedation, is rumored to have been tried by Elvis.
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1977: Slim-Fast -- a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, then a sensible dinner -- becomes a diet staple.
1977: Slim-Fast -- a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, then a sensible dinner -- becomes a diet staple.
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1978: Dr. Herman Tarnower publishes "The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet." Two years later he is shot to death by his girlfriend.
1978: Dr. Herman Tarnower publishes "The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet." Two years later he is shot to death by his girlfriend.
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1982: The aerobics craze steps into high gear when Jane Fonda launches her first exercise video, "Workout: Starring Jane Fonda." Her catch phrase: "No pain, no gain."
1982: The aerobics craze steps into high gear when Jane Fonda launches her first exercise video, "Workout: Starring Jane Fonda." Her catch phrase: "No pain, no gain."
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1983: Jazzercise, founded in 1969 by professional dancer Judi Sheppard Missett, hits all 50 states.
1983: Jazzercise, founded in 1969 by professional dancer Judi Sheppard Missett, hits all 50 states.
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1992: Dr. Robert C. Atkins publishes "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," a high-protein, low-carb plan.
1992: Dr. Robert C. Atkins publishes "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," a high-protein, low-carb plan.
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1999: Victoria Beckham starts the blink-and-it's-gone baby weight trend following the birth of her first son, Brooklyn.
1999: Victoria Beckham starts the blink-and-it's-gone baby weight trend following the birth of her first son, Brooklyn.
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2004: "The Biggest Loser" makes its TV debut, turning weight loss into a reality show.
2004: "The Biggest Loser" makes its TV debut, turning weight loss into a reality show.
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2006: Beyonce admits to using the Master Cleanse, a concoction of hot water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper, to shed 20 pounds for "Dreamgirls."
2006: Beyonce admits to using the Master Cleanse, a concoction of hot water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper, to shed 20 pounds for "Dreamgirls."
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2012: Jessica Simpson loses 60 pounds of baby weight on Weight Watchers.
2012: Jessica Simpson loses 60 pounds of baby weight on Weight Watchers.
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