16 Forgotten ’90s Diet Supplements That Disappeared
Many diet supplements from the 1990s disappeared after safety concerns, legal actions, or proven lack of results.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In the 1990s, diet pills and supplements were a fast-growing part of the weight loss market. Many products were sold with little regulation and made claims that were not supported by solid evidence. Over time, some were banned, recalled, or quietly removed after causing serious side effects or failing to work.
1. Ephedra-Based Pills
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Ephedra was used in many popular weight loss products in the 1990s. It was a plant-based stimulant that raised heart rate and energy levels. Some users lost weight, but others experienced serious side effects such as heart problems and high blood pressure. The FDA banned ephedra in 2004 after reports of deaths and medical emergencies.
2. Fen-Phen
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Fen-Phen combined two prescription drugs to reduce appetite. It became widely used in the mid-1990s and was often seen as an effective weight loss method. Later, doctors found it caused heart valve damage and pulmonary hypertension in some users. The product was withdrawn in 1997, and thousands of lawsuits followed.
3. Chromium Picolinate
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Chromium picolinate was promoted for burning fat and controlling blood sugar. It was added to many supplements in the 1990s with claims of increasing lean muscle mass. Scientific reviews found little proof that it helped with weight loss. As demand dropped, it was removed from most diet products.
4. Chitosan
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Chitosan is made from the shells of shrimp and crabs and was sold as a fat-blocking supplement. Marketers said it could prevent fat from being absorbed in the digestive system. Clinical studies showed it had little to no real effect on weight loss. Sales declined, and it became less common in major diet brands.
5. Metabolife 356
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Metabolife 356 became one of the top-selling supplements in the late 1990s. It contained ephedra and was promoted as a natural energy booster. Users later reported high blood pressure, insomnia, and heart complications. The company faced lawsuits, and the product was removed from stores.
6. Dexatrim (Original Formula)
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The original Dexatrim formula used phenylpropanolamine (PPA), which helped suppress appetite. In 2000, a study linked PPA to increased stroke risk, especially in women. The FDA issued a public warning, and manufacturers removed the ingredient. Dexatrim was later re-released with a new, safer formula.
7. Hydroxycut (Pre-2004 Version)
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Hydroxycut’s early version included ephedra and other strong stimulants. Users often lost weight quickly but also reported side effects like anxiety, heart palpitations, and digestive problems. After reports of liver damage and one death, the FDA issued a warning. The company reformulated the product and continued under stricter safety standards.
8. TrimSpa (Original Formula)
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TrimSpa used ephedra as its main ingredient before it was banned. It gained fame after being promoted by celebrities in the early 2000s. After the ban, the company replaced ephedra with other ingredients, but the new version was less effective. TrimSpa’s sales dropped, and it eventually lost its market presence.
9. Herbalife Thermojetics
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Herbalife’s Thermojetics line was sold as a fat-burning solution using caffeine and herbal extracts. It became popular through multi-level marketing networks. Health professionals raised concerns about the high caffeine levels and potential side effects. The product was later changed, and some original items were no longer sold.
10. Acutrim
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Acutrim was an over-the-counter appetite suppressant that used PPA as its active ingredient. It was intended to help reduce food cravings and support weight loss. In 2000, the FDA recommended that all products with PPA be withdrawn due to the risk of stroke. Acutrim was taken off the market shortly after.
11. Thinz Diet Pills
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Thinz were stimulant-based pills that claimed to reduce hunger and raise energy. They were sold in stores and through diet centers. Users began to report side effects such as nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and insomnia. Thinz became harder to find in the 2000s as demand fell and concerns increased.
12. Alli (Early Version)
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Alli, based on the drug orlistat, was approved in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It worked by blocking some fat from being absorbed during digestion. Many users experienced side effects, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and oily stools. The formula was adjusted, and public interest decreased over time.
13. Tonalin CLA
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Tonalin CLA was promoted as a fat-burning supplement derived from safflower oil. Some small studies suggested it could reduce body fat and improve body composition. Larger studies found minimal or no benefit. The supplement lost popularity and was eventually replaced by newer trends.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules
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Apple cider vinegar capsules were introduced as an easier way to get the supposed weight loss effects of vinegar. They were believed to reduce appetite and improve digestion. Scientific reviews have shown limited evidence of weight loss benefits. Many users stopped using them due to a lack of results and mild side effects.
15. Green Tea Fat Burners (Early Versions)
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Green tea fat burners in the 1990s used high doses of caffeine and green tea extract. They claimed to boost metabolism and burn calories. Some users reported increased heart rate, dizziness, and liver problems. Newer formulas were made with lower doses to reduce side effects.
16. Stacker 2 (Original Formula)
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The original version of Stacker 2 used ephedra to speed up metabolism and suppress appetite. It was heavily marketed as a strong and fast weight loss aid. Over time, it became linked to serious side effects, including seizures and heart issues. After ephedra was banned, the product was reformulated, and sales declined.