12 Vintage Wellness Fads That Are No Longer Popular
Wellness culture has gone through countless phases, many of which now seem strange or outdated by today’s standards. These once-popular health trends from decades past have mostly disappeared, replaced by better science and smarter habits.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Wellness trends have always reflected the beliefs and technologies of their time, with many fads gaining quick popularity before quietly fading away. What once seemed like groundbreaking health advice or miraculous cures often failed to hold up under modern scrutiny. Some trends simply lost relevance as better methods emerged, while others proved ineffective or even unsafe. Exploring these past wellness practices highlights how much our understanding of health has evolved over the years.
1. Vibrating Belt Machines
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These machines were common in gyms and homes during the mid-20th century and remained popular into the 1970s and 1980s. Users would strap on a belt that shook their midsection in hopes of reducing fat. There was no real effort required, which made it appealing but ineffective. Studies later showed no actual fat-burning benefit. Modern fitness focuses on active movement, not passive devices.
2. Cabbage Soup Diet
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The cabbage soup diet promised quick weight loss by having followers eat mostly cabbage-based soup for several days. It gained traction in the 1980s and was known for its extreme simplicity. While people did lose weight rapidly, the results were usually short-lived. The diet lacked nutrients and often led to fatigue. Nutrition experts now discourage such restrictive eating plans.
3. Tanning for “Health”
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Decades ago, a bronzed tan was widely believed to indicate vitality and health. People used tanning beds or spent hours in the sun with little to no protection. Over time, research revealed the serious risks of skin damage and cancer. Today, sun safety and skin care are central to wellness. The idea of tanning for health has faded significantly.
4. Jazzercise Videos
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Jazzercise combined dance and aerobics into choreographed routines and became a home fitness craze in the 1980s. With energetic music and vibrant outfits, it turned workouts into a party. While still around in small circles, it has lost most of its mainstream appeal. Modern fitness has shifted toward high-intensity training and strength building. Jazzercise is now viewed as a retro workout.
5. Sauna Suits for Weight Loss
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Sauna suits were plastic or rubber outfits designed to trap body heat and promote sweating. The goal was to shed water weight quickly during exercise. While effective at causing temporary weight loss, they increased the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Health professionals now warn against their use for slimming purposes. They are rarely seen in today’s wellness spaces.
6. Breatharianism
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Breatharianism is the belief that people can survive without food, relying only on sunlight and air. It gained a small following in the late 20th century despite being highly controversial. The practice has been widely discredited and linked to serious health risks. Most medical experts view it as dangerous pseudoscience. It is no longer taken seriously in mainstream wellness circles.
7. Colon Cleansing
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Colon cleansing became popular as a detox method, with claims that it removed harmful toxins and improved digestion. People used teas, enemas, and even professional irrigation services. However, studies showed little benefit and some potential harm. The body naturally cleanses itself through the digestive system. Colon cleanses are now considered unnecessary for most people.
8. Low-Fat Everything
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In the 1990s, fat was considered the enemy of good health, and many foods were reformulated to remove it. Low-fat snacks, yogurts, and meals flooded the market. Unfortunately, removing fat often meant adding sugar or artificial ingredients for flavor. Over time, experts realized healthy fats are essential to a balanced diet. The obsession with low-fat foods has significantly declined.
9. Crystal Healing
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Crystal healing claims that certain stones carry energy that can promote wellness and emotional balance. It was especially trendy during the New Age movement of the 1970s and 1980s. While still practiced by some, it lacks scientific support. Mainstream wellness has shifted toward evidence-based mental health practices. Crystals are now more commonly seen as decorative or symbolic.
10. Tapeworm Diets
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The tapeworm diet involved intentionally ingesting tapeworms to promote weight loss. This extreme method has been rumored since the early 20th century and had brief moments of attention. It poses serious health risks, including malnutrition and internal damage. Medical authorities strongly advise against it. Today, it is viewed as a shocking and irresponsible fad.
11. Home Gym Pulley Systems
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Pulley-based home gyms with cables and resistance bands were marketed as complete fitness solutions in the 1980s. They offered convenience but often lacked versatility and durability. Over time, they were replaced by more effective compact equipment. Modern home workouts now focus on bodyweight training and smart devices. The old pulley systems have mostly been retired.
12. Smoking for Relaxation
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Smoking was once promoted for its calming effects and even advertised as a wellness aid. It was common to see people light up after stressful situations or during breaks. Decades of research have since revealed the severe health consequences of tobacco use. Public health campaigns have reversed its image entirely. Smoking is no longer considered part of any wellness routine.