Diets through history: The good, the bad and the scary

By Lesley Rotchford, Health.com

Updated 1232 GMT (2032 HKT) February 8, 2013

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.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
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.
Hide Caption
1 of 15
1820: Lord Byron popularizes the Vinegar and Water Diet, which entails drinking water mixed with apple cider vinegar.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1820: Lord Byron popularizes the Vinegar and Water Diet, which entails drinking water mixed with apple cider vinegar.
Hide Caption
2 of 15
1925: The Lucky Strike cigarette brand launches the "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet" campaign, capitalizing on nicotine's appetite-suppressing superpowers.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1925: The Lucky Strike cigarette brand launches the "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet" campaign, capitalizing on nicotine's appetite-suppressing superpowers.
Hide Caption
3 of 15
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.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
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.
Hide Caption
4 of 15
1963: Weight Watchers is founded by Jean Nidetch, a self-described "overweight housewife obsessed with cookies."
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1963: Weight Watchers is founded by Jean Nidetch, a self-described "overweight housewife obsessed with cookies."
Hide Caption
5 of 15
1970: The Sleeping Beauty Diet, which involves sedation, is rumored to have been tried by Elvis.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1970: The Sleeping Beauty Diet, which involves sedation, is rumored to have been tried by Elvis.
Hide Caption
6 of 15
1977: Slim-Fast -- a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, then a sensible dinner -- becomes a diet staple.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1977: Slim-Fast -- a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, then a sensible dinner -- becomes a diet staple.
Hide Caption
7 of 15
1978: Dr. Herman Tarnower publishes "The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet." Two years later he is shot to death by his girlfriend.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1978: Dr. Herman Tarnower publishes "The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet." Two years later he is shot to death by his girlfriend.
Hide Caption
8 of 15
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."
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
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."
Hide Caption
9 of 15
1983: Jazzercise, founded in 1969 by professional dancer Judi Sheppard Missett, hits all 50 states.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1983: Jazzercise, founded in 1969 by professional dancer Judi Sheppard Missett, hits all 50 states.
Hide Caption
10 of 15
1992: Dr. Robert C. Atkins publishes "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," a high-protein, low-carb plan.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1992: Dr. Robert C. Atkins publishes "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," a high-protein, low-carb plan.
Hide Caption
11 of 15
1999: Victoria Beckham starts the blink-and-it's-gone baby weight trend following the birth of her first son, Brooklyn.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary
1999: Victoria Beckham starts the blink-and-it's-gone baby weight trend following the birth of her first son, Brooklyn.
Hide Caption
12 of 15
2004: "The Biggest Loser" makes its TV debut, turning weight loss into a reality show.
Photos: Weight loss through history: The good, bad and scary