Thinning Out. Humans have always been, and will always be, ready to go to great lengths to achieve their ideal physique. Throughout history, societal perceptions of beauty have shifted dramatically, from the appreciation of voluptuous figures to the embrace of a slender waistline.
But as soon as thinness became fashionable, humanity embarked on a perpetual experiment: how can we eat and not gain weight?
This enduring quest for weight loss has led to an astonishing array of methods, some popular, some shocking, and many truly bizarre. Over the past century alone, people have explored countless avenues in their battle against excess pounds.
We’ve delved into the most notable, unconventional, and at times dangerous, approaches to weight loss that have captivated individuals over the last hundred years.
Thinning Out, Over the Last 100 Years.
Early 20th Century.
“Fat Burners” with a Catch.
The dawn of the 20th century in the United States marked the emergence of the first weight loss pills. These early concoctions were primarily based on thyroid extract, a substance designed to stimulate metabolism.
While they did indeed produce weight loss, the price was often devastatingly high. Users reported rapid heartbeats, chest pains, thyroid problems, and, in some tragic cases, even death.
Despite these severe side effects, such products were freely available for purchase until the 1960s, highlighting a period of limited regulation and a desperate desire for a quick fix.
1970s: Ephedra.
A Natural Disappointment.
In the 1970s, pharmaceutical companies turned their attention to ephedra, a plant traditionally used to treat asthma. A notable side effect of ephedra was rapid weight loss, leading many to hail it as a miracle solution.
Unfortunately, this “miracle” quickly unraveled. Prolonged use of ephedra was linked to severe adverse effects, including nervous breakdowns, heart problems, and even strokes.
The accumulating evidence of its dangers ultimately led to ephedra being officially banned in 2004, underscoring the risks associated with unregulated natural remedies.
The Rise of Medical and Surgical Interventions.
1980s: The Era of Liposuction.
When diets failed to deliver the desired results, surgery entered the arena. In 1974, Italian surgeons Giorgio Fischer (father and son) pioneered liposuction.
In its early days, this was a highly invasive procedure carrying significant risks, particularly from blood loss. Over time, advancements like the integration of ultrasound and lasers significantly improved the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
Today, liposuction is a widely available, albeit expensive, cosmetic procedure.
Interestingly, the removed fat is now even utilized in other cosmetic applications, such as lip augmentation, demonstrating a continuous evolution in aesthetic medicine.
2010s: The Dental Slim Diet Control.
A Jaw-Dropping Innovation.
In a method that sounds more like a horror movie plot than a weight loss solution, New Zealand researchers developed the Dental Slim Diet Control.
This device magnetically fastens a patient’s teeth, allowing the mouth to open only a mere 2 mm!!! Just enough for breathing and speaking.
Chewing becomes impossible, limiting individuals to liquid diets.
While it guaranteed a weight loss of 6-7 kg (13-15 lbs) in just two weeks, this extreme method is certainly for the faint of heart, highlighting the lengths to which some are willing to go for rapid results.
2015s: Needles and Reflexes.
Acupuncture’s Rebirth.
Classical acupuncture experienced a resurgence in popularity, promising to regulate metabolism, reduce swelling, and even curb appetite.
The theory behind it suggests that precise needle placement can influence the body’s energy pathways and internal functions. However, the effects were often temporary.
Since needles cannot be left in for extended periods, the weight loss benefits typically ceased once the sessions concluded, illustrating the transient nature of some alternative therapies.
2020s: Losing Weight with Threads.
A Modern Twist on an Old Idea.
Old technologies continue to find new applications. The 2020s have seen a growing interest in weight loss methods using special PDO (polydioxanone) threads inserted under the skin.
One popular variation, known as the “Maltese Cross” technique, involves strategically placing these threads on the abdomen to stimulate local metabolism.
This method promises to reduce inches without significant effort. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is still a surgical procedure, carrying inherent risks and limitations that require careful consideration.
Dietary Fads and Pharmaceutical Breakthroughs.
1990s: “Negative Calorie” Foods- A Flawed Concept.
The 1990s saw the popularization of the “negative calorie” theory, which suggested that certain foods require more calories to digest than they provide.
Foods like celery, broccoli, apples, and seaweed were championed as metabolic marvels.
While it’s true that fiber-rich foods can promote satiety, the strict adherence to such a diet, often excluding other essential nutrients, led to digestive problems, bloating, and vitamin deficiencies.
This period showcased the allure of seemingly effortless weight loss concepts, even when scientifically unsound.
2020s: The Era of Ozempic and Semaglutide.
A Game Changer?
One of the most significant trends in recent years is the emergence of drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide). Initially developed for 
treating diabetes, semaglutide proved to be a powerful tool in weight management.
Its mechanism of action involves suppressing appetite, slowing down food digestion, and prolonging feelings of fullness.
While offering significant potential, it’s vital to note that, like any serious medication, its use should only be under the strict supervision of a medical professional.
This represents a shift towards medically-assisted weight loss, offering a more scientifically grounded approach than many of the fads of the past.
From dangerous pills to surgical interventions and, more recently, advanced pharmaceuticals, the journey of weight loss over the last century is a testament to humanity’s persistent desire to reshape itself.
Each decade has brought its own set of trends, often driven by evolving scientific understanding, changing beauty standards, and, at times, sheer desperation.
What do you think is the most surprising or effective weight loss method from this list, and why?
Have a Great Day!
