17 Retro Health Magazine Features That Are Gone
Here's a nostalgic look back at classic health magazine sections that defined an era — but have since vanished.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Before social media and wellness apps, health magazines ruled the space. These features once shaped how we viewed health. While some were informative, others were just plain strange — and most have quietly disappeared.
1. Celebrity Workout Diaries
Antonio Araujo on Unsplash
Every month, a celeb’s fitness routine was laid out in minute-by-minute detail. It was more glamorous than practical, and often lacked any useful guidance.
2. “Flat Abs” in 10 Days Challenges
Helena Lopes on Pexels
These quick-fix routines promised instant results with minimal effort. The workouts were repetitive and oversimplified. Most readers saw no change, but the bold claims kept them trying.
3. Food Logs of Real Women
Leah Newhouse on Pexels
This recurring column broke down what a reader ate each day, complete with calorie counts and expert “fixes.” It felt invasive, judgmental, and oddly performative.
4. BMI Charts with Shaming Commentary
Amog on Wikimedia Commons
Magazines often printed large charts to “help” readers find their ideal weight range. Accompanying comments made readers feel inadequate rather than informed. Modern health media has since shifted to body positivity.
5. Reader Makeover Transformations
Ron Lach on Pexels
Before-and-after shots showed off dramatic changes, usually after crash diets or boot camps. The focus was all about appearance, not long-term health. Follow-ups were rare, and sustainability wasn’t addressed.
6. Detox Cleanse Plans
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
Juice-only days, lemon water cleanses, and other extreme plans filled these pages. They were often advertised as “reset buttons” but lacked real nutritional backing.
7. “What’s In Your Gym Bag?”
Blake Wisz on Unsplash
Profiles of athletes or celebs would highlight their gear, often sponsored products. While fun, it felt more like an ad than an insight. It didn’t offer much value to readers.
8. Spot-Toning Routines
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Magazines regularly pushed exercises promising to shrink thighs or sculpt arms in isolation. Experts now agree that targeted fat loss doesn’t work that way. Still, the promise was irresistible to readers.
9. The Monthly Weigh-In Page
Matea Brajdić on Unsplash
A recurring page asked readers to submit their weight-loss numbers, often alongside their current stats. While intended as motivational, it turned into a public scoreboard.
10. “Rate Your Health” Quizzes
Vision Magazin on Unsplash
These magazine quizzes asked things like how many veggies you eat or how many hours you sleep. They scored your results like a pop quiz, with little nuance or accuracy.
11. Fitspiration Collages
True Agency on Unsplash
These mood boards were filled with lean bodies, sweat quotes, and glossy abs. Supposed to inspire, they often made readers feel worse. The line between motivation and shame was too thin.
12. Questionable Supplement Ads Disguised as Articles
Wikimedia Commons
Supplements were hyped in editorial-style features that looked like advice, but were really ads. Readers often didn’t know they were reading paid promotions.
13. 1,200-Calorie Meal Plans
John on Unsplash
These ultra-low-calorie meal plans were pushed as safe, everyday diets. Experts now warn they’re far too restrictive for most adults. They lacked flexibility and didn’t consider individual needs.
14. Monthly “Sex & Fitness” Advice Columns
Melanie Deziel on Unsplash
Often trying to connect libido to lunges, these columns stretched credibility. They combined health tips with relationship drama. While entertaining, they lacked scientific substance. Now, sex education lives elsewhere — more responsibly.
15. “Tested by Our Editors” Equipment Reviews
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Staffers reviewed dumbbells, blenders, and yoga mats — but rarely gave honest critiques. Everything was “amazing” or “life-changing.” Over time, readers caught on to the lack of objectivity.
16. Snack Swap Grids
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Charts would tell you to trade chips for celery or chocolate for raisins. The swaps sounded smart but ignored satisfaction and cravings. It pushed bland food over mindful eating.
17. “Health Horoscope” Pages
Gabrielle Dickson on Unsplash
Yes, some magazines gave fitness and diet tips based on your zodiac sign. Fun to read, but zero science behind it. It was more filler than fact. These mystical mashups have mostly vanished.