11 Absurd Weight Loss Fads From The ’80s That Everyone Tried
The ’80s were a time of bold fashion, catchy music, and, of course, some truly wild weight loss fads. If you lived through the decade, you probably remember the endless parade of bizarre diets and gadgets promising quick results.
I recall seeing ads for machines that claimed to slim your waist while you just sat there, while munching on cake, no less!
And let’s not forget the grapefruit and cabbage soup diets that had everyone wondering if they could really work.
The ‘80s were full of ridiculous trends that promised easy solutions to weight loss, many of which didn’t exactly deliver, but they sure made for some entertaining memories.
1. Cabbage Soup Diet
Ah, the Cabbage Soup Diet! This low-calorie, high-fiber regime promised rapid weight loss. People vowed by a week-long feast of cabbage, dreaming of slimming down without lifting a finger.
Ironically, the diet left most feeling a bit gassy – and craving real food. What’s more, the monotony of soup day in and day out drove many to the brink of culinary madness.
While the ’80s were all about big hair, this fad tried to shrink waistlines in an aromatic, albeit bland, way.
2. Sweat Suits
In the ’80s, sweat suits were the height of fitness fashion. These shiny, sauna-like outfits promised to melt away pounds by making you sweat.
Though users felt they’d worked out for hours, in reality, it was just water loss. It turns out, donning these metallic marvels was more of a fashion statement than effective exercise.
Still, they made for quite the spectacle, with wearers shimmering under the sun like futuristic athletes determined to perspire their way to thinness.
3. Grapefruit Diet
Who could forget the Grapefruit Diet? This fad had folks consuming half a grapefruit before every meal, believing it to be a magical fat burner.
The tangy fruit became a symbol of hope for those desperate to trim down. Some claimed it worked wonders, while others found it to be nothing more than a sour experience.
Regardless, this citrusy endeavor was a testament to the decade’s willingness to believe in quick fixes and fruit-flavored fantasies.
4. Jane Fonda Workout Videos
Jane Fonda’s workout videos were an ’80s phenomenon. Her upbeat routines had millions of people sweating to catchy tunes in their living rooms.
Her mantra “feel the burn” became a beloved catchphrase, inspiring wannabe fitness gurus across the globe. While many credited these tapes with getting them in shape, others just enjoyed the retro fun.
In truth, these workouts were more about camaraderie and moving to music than achieving chiseled perfection. Fonda made fitness fabulous, and everyone wanted in.
5. Slim-Fast Shakes
Slim-Fast shakes promised to “shake” off those extra pounds. The idea was simple: replace meals with these creamy concoctions and watch the weight vanish.
While some found them a convenient meal replacement, others missed the pleasure of chewing their food.
The promise of instant slimming was tempting, but in reality, living on liquid was challenging.
Still, these shakes became an emblem of ’80s diet culture, with their catchy slogans and colorful cans filling shelves nationwide.
6. ThighMaster
The ThighMaster promised sculpted thighs with minimal effort. This contraption became a sensation, with commercials showcasing smiling users squeezing away their worries – and leg flab.
Although it gained a cult following, many discovered that fitness couldn’t be purchased as easily as a TV gadget.
While the ThighMaster may not have delivered miraculous results, it did provide some laughs and a bit of exercise. It was quintessential ’80s: quirky, colorful, and just a bit over the top.
7. Jazzercise
Jazzercise hit the scene with flair and fun. Fusing jazz dance with aerobics, it was an exciting way to burn calories and boost spirits.
Participants grooved to lively tunes, often donning brightly colored leotards and leg warmers. The classes weren’t just about weight loss; they were a social gathering, a place to meet like-minded friends.
Jazzercise made exercise entertaining and electrifying, proving that getting fit didn’t have to be a grind – it could be a blast!
8. The Hollywood Diet
The Hollywood Diet was the star-studded path to slimming. Promising quick results, this diet had celebrities endorsing it with fervor.
It consisted of a mysterious juice blend that was supposed to melt away pounds effortlessly. While some claimed it worked wonders, many simply felt starved.
Despite its glamorous allure, the diet was as fleeting as a film premiere. It captured the ’80s fascination with celebrity culture, where glamour and weight loss were just a sip away.
9. Aerobic Dance
Aerobic dance swept through the ’80s, combining fitness with flair. Classes were packed with eager participants, grooving to upbeat music.
The dance routines were energetic, making exercise feel like a party. People loved the communal atmosphere, where burning calories was paired with laughter and rhythm.
While the primary goal was weight loss, many found joy in the movement and music. Aerobic dance made fitness feel less like a chore and more like an exhilarating escape from the ordinary.
10. The Scarsdale Diet
The Scarsdale Diet promised rapid weight loss through a strict low-carb plan. This diet required dedication, with a rigid menu of high-protein, low-carb meals.
Many were drawn to its promise of quick results, although some found the lack of variety tough to swallow. Yet, for those willing to endure it, the diet offered a structured path to slimness.
The ’80s were all about extremes, and the Scarsdale Diet was no exception, offering a disciplined – if somewhat bland – regimen.
11. Power Walking
Power walking became the ’80s answer to casual exercise. This brisk, purposeful stride promised fitness without the strain of running.
Enthusiasts donned colorful tracksuits, marching through neighborhoods with determination and style. It was about community as much as calorie-burning, with walkers often forming friendly groups.
Power walking captured the era’s spirit – energetic yet accessible. It was an activity anyone could join, making it a perfect fit for a decade obsessed with finding the fun in fitness.