1820(01 of33)
Open Image ModalLord Byron popularizes the Vinegar and Water Diet, which entails drinking water mixed with apple cider vinegar. (credit:Shutterstock)
1903(02 of33)
Open Image ModalPresident William Howard Taft pledges to slim down after getting stuck in the White House bathtub. (credit:Alamy)
1925(03 of33)
Open Image ModalThe Lucky Strike cigarette brand launches the "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet" campaign, capitalizing on nicotine's appetite-suppressing superpowers. (credit:Shutterstock)
1930s(04 of33)
Open Image ModalThe Grapefruit Diet -- a.k.a. the Hollywood Diet -- is born. The popular low-cal plan calls for eating grapefruit with every meal. (credit:Flickr:Helena Jacoba)
1950s(05 of33)
Open Image ModalThe Cabbage Soup Diet promises you can lose 10-15 pounds in a week by eating a limited diet including cabbage soup every day. (credit:Flickr:Nicholas Tay)
Mid-1950s(06 of33)
Open Image ModalUrban legend has it that opera singer Maria Callas dropped 65 pounds on the Tapeworm Diet, allegedly by swallowing a parasite-packed pill. (credit:Alamy)
1963(07 of33)
Open Image ModalWeight Watchers is founded by Jean Nidetch, a self-described "overweight housewife obsessed with cookies." (credit:Alamy)
1970 (08 of33)
Open Image ModalThe Sleeping Beauty Diet, which involves sedation, is rumored to have been tried by Elvis. (credit:Flickr:Nalmashat89)
1975(09 of33)
Open Image ModalA Florida doctor creates the Cookie Diet, a plan where you eat cookies made with a blend of amino acids. Hollywood eats it up. (credit:Alamy)
1977(10 of33)
Open Image ModalSlim-Fast -- a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, then a sensible dinner -- becomes a diet staple. (credit:Alamy)
1978(11 of33)
Open Image ModalHerman Tarnower, M.D., publishes The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet. Two years later he is shot by his girlfriend. (credit:Amazon.com)
1979(12 of33)
Open Image ModalDexatrim, a diet drug containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA), appears on drugstore shelves. Its formula changes after PPA is linked to an increased risk of stroke in 2000. (credit:Amazon.com)
1980s(13 of33)
Open Image ModalA popular appetite-suppressing candy called Ayds is taken off the market after the AIDS crisis hits. (credit:Flickr:Nesster)
1982(14 of33)
Open Image ModalThe 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." (credit:Amazon.com )
1983(15 of33)
Open Image ModalJazzercise, founded in 1969 by professional dancer Judi Sheppard Missett, hits all 50 states. (credit:Flickr:wdzr)
1985(16 of33)
Open Image ModalHarvey and Marilyn Diamond publish Fit for Life, which prohibits complex carbs and protein from being eaten during the same meal. (credit:Amazon.com)
1987(17 of33)
Open Image ModalIn her memoir-slash-self-help book, Elizabeth Takes Off, actress Elizabeth Taylor advises dieters to eat veggies and dip each day at 3 p.m. (credit:Flickr:The Aimless Cook)
1988(18 of33)
Open Image ModalWearing a pair of size 10 Calvin Klein jeans, Oprah walks onto the set of her show, pulling a wagon full of fat to represent the 67 pounds she lost on a liquid diet. (credit:Flickr:hang_in_there)
1991(19 of33)
Open Image ModalAmericans go low-fat, eating foods like McDonald's McLean Deluxe burger. (credit:Alamy)
1992(20 of33)
Open Image ModalRobert C. Atkins, M.D., publishes Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, a high-protein, low-carb plan. (credit:Shutterstock)
1994(21 of33)
Open Image ModalThe Guide to Nutrition Labeling and Education Act requires food companies to include nutritional info on nearly all packaging. (credit:Alamy)
1995(22 of33)
Open Image ModalThe Zone Diet, which calls for a specific ratio of carbs, fat, and protein at each meal, begins to attract celeb fans. (credit:Amazon.com )
1999(23 of33)
Open Image ModalVictoria Beckham starts the blink-and-it's-gone baby weight trend following the birth of her first son, Brooklyn. (credit:Shutterstock)
2000(24 of33)
Open Image ModalGwyneth Paltrow lends cred to the Macrobiotic Diet, a restrictive Japanese plan based on whole grains and veggies. (credit:Alamy)
2001(25 of33)
Open Image ModalRenée Zellweger packs on nearly 30 pounds to play Bridget Jones. She quickly (and controversially) sheds the weight only to gain it back for the 2004 sequel. (credit:Shutterstock)
2003(26 of33)
Open Image ModalMiami doctor Arthur Agatston, M.D., adds fuel to the low-carb craze by publishing The South Beach Diet, seen as a more moderate version of Atkins. (credit:Amazon.com)
2004(27 of33)
Open Image ModalThe FDA bans the sale of diet drugs and supplements containing ephedra after it's linked to heart attacks. (credit:Amazon.com)
2004(28 of33)
Open Image ModalThe Biggest Loser makes its TV debut, turning weight loss into a reality show. (credit:Flickr:www.WinningMan.com)
2006(29 of33)
Open Image ModalBeyonce admits to using the Master Cleanse, a concoction of hot water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper, to shed 20 pounds for Dreamgirls. (credit:Alamy)
2007(30 of33)
Open Image ModalAlli hits the market. The nonprescription drug is taken with meals to keep your body from absorbing some of the food you eat. (credit:Alamy)
2010(31 of33)
Open Image ModalJennifer Hudson loses a jaw-dropping 80 pounds on Weight Watchers. (credit:Getty Images)
2011(32 of33)
Open Image ModalThe HCG Diet, which combines a fertility drug with a strict 500- to 800-calorie-a-day regimen, invites interest -- and criticism. (credit:Amazon.com)
2012(33 of33)
Open Image ModalJessica Simpson loses 60 pounds of baby weight on Weight Watchers. (credit:Getty Images)