The 1970s were a wild time for health and wellness. It was the decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and some truly questionable health trends. Back then, many of these fads were believed to be the keys to eternal youth and vitality, only for science (and common sense) to later prove otherwise. Let’s revisit 13 misguided ’70s health trends that we genuinely thought would help us live forever. If nothing else, they’ll give you a good laugh—or maybe a few cringes.
1. Sweat Belts
In the quest for a slimmer waistline, many turned to sweat belts. These neoprene wraps were designed to trap heat and make you sweat, supposedly melting away fat in the process. People wore them while exercising or even lounging, convinced they were burning calories by the gallon.
Of course, sweating doesn’t equate to fat loss—it’s just water weight. Modern fitness experts have debunked the myth, but in the ’70s, sweat belts were all the rage. They were uncomfortable, sweaty, and totally ineffective, but they looked futuristic enough to sell.
2. Cigarettes for Weight Loss
Believe it or not, smoking was often marketed as a way to stay slim and stress-free. Smoke ads from the era featured smiling models, promising that lighting up would curb your appetite and keep you thin. The idea that smoking could be part of a “healthy” lifestyle seems absurd now, but back then, it was all about keeping up appearances.
As we all know now, smoking is a leading cause of cancer, heart disease, and countless other health problems. The notion that puffing on a smoke could help you live longer was as misguided as it gets. Still, the power of advertising had many people convinced.
3. Fad Diet Pills
The ’70s saw an explosion of diet pills promising effortless weight loss. These pills often contained amphetamines or other stimulants, giving users a temporary energy boost while suppressing their appetites. Side effects like jitteriness, insomnia, and heart problems were ignored in favor of quick results.
Today, many of these diet pills are banned, and we understand the dangers of relying on such extreme measures. The popularity of these pills highlights how far people were willing to go to achieve their ideal body, even at the expense of their health.
4. The Grapefruit Diet
The Grapefruit Diet, also known as the “Hollywood Diet,” promised rapid weight loss by eating nothing but grapefruit and a few protein-packed meals each day. The idea was that the fruit contained fat-burning enzymes that would melt away the pounds.
While grapefruit is healthy in moderation, the diet itself was highly restrictive and lacked essential nutrients. Nutritionists now warn against such extreme diets, but in the ’70s, many people believed this citrus miracle was the fountain of youth.
5. The Liquid Protein Diet
This dangerous fad involved consuming little else but liquid protein shakes, which were marketed as a miracle weight-loss solution. The diets were low in calories, but the protein sources were often low quality, leading to malnutrition and even heart problems in some cases.
The FDA eventually cracked down on these diets after several deaths were linked to them. Looking back, it’s shocking how far people went to chase the dream of rapid weight loss, even at the cost of their health.
6. Barefoot Jogging
The ’70s fitness boom brought with it some interesting trends, including barefoot jogging. Advocates believed that running without shoes was more natural and better for your feet, citing ancient practices as proof. However, running on asphalt or gravel often led to injuries like cuts, bruises, and sprains.
While modern barefoot running has seen a resurgence with proper equipment like minimalist shoes, the ’70s version was more about optimism than practicality. It’s a classic case of a good idea taken too far.
7. Tanning for Vitamin D
Sunbathing was practically a national pastime in the 1970s. With little knowledge about UV damage, people would slather on baby oil and bake in the sun for hours, convinced it was good for their bones and overall health. A golden tan was considered the ultimate sign of vitality.
Decades later, we know about the risks of skin cancer and premature aging caused by excessive sun exposure. What was once seen as a ticket to eternal youth has become a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing beauty trends.
8. Crystal Healing
The New Age movement of the 1970s popularized the idea that crystals could harness healing energy and balance your body’s vibrations. People would carry quartz, amethyst, or other stones, believing they could cure ailments, reduce stress, or even extend their lives.
While crystals are beautiful and can have a calming psychological effect, there’s no scientific evidence to back their health claims. That didn’t stop people in the ’70s from swearing by their magical properties, making them a symbol of the era’s spiritual wellness craze.
9. Raw Egg Smoothies
Thanks to fitness icons like Rocky Balboa, raw egg smoothies became a popular health trend. The idea was that raw eggs were a supercharged protein source that could help you build muscle and boost energy. Athletes and health enthusiasts would down these concoctions daily.
Unfortunately, raw eggs carry a risk of salmonella, and the practice was far riskier than most people realized. While eggs are a great source of protein when cooked, the raw version is one trend that’s better left in the past.
10. Colon Cleansing
Colon cleansing, often through enemas or herbal teas, was marketed as a way to “detox” the body and promote longevity. Spas and wellness centers promised that regular cleansing would improve digestion, boost energy, and ward off disease.
Modern medicine debunks the idea that colon cleansing has any health benefits. Your body has its own detox system, and forcing it can do more harm than good. Still, the idea of a “clean slate” for your body appealed to the ’70s health-conscious crowd.
11. The Low-Fat Craze
In the ’70s, fat became public enemy number one. Low-fat diets were hailed as the ultimate way to prevent heart disease and lose weight, leading to a surge in low-fat products. Unfortunately, many of these items were loaded with sugar to make up for the lack of flavor, creating a new set of health issues.
We now know that healthy fats are essential for a balanced diet, and cutting them out entirely can have negative effects. The low-fat craze was a classic case of good intentions gone wrong, reflecting the era’s limited understanding of nutrition.
12. Sauna Suits
Similar to sweat belts, sauna suits were designed to make you sweat profusely, promising rapid weight loss. These plastic suits trapped heat and moisture, turning your body into a portable sauna. Athletes and dieters alike used them to shed pounds quickly.
In reality, sauna suits only caused water loss, not fat loss. They were also dangerous, as excessive sweating could lead to dehydration and heat stroke. The trend is a reminder of how far people were willing to go for a quick fix, even at their own risk.
13. The Macrobiotic Diet
The macrobiotic diet, popularized in the ’70s, focused on whole grains, vegetables, and unprocessed foods. While it had some health benefits, it also came with rigid rules and excluded essential nutrients like certain fats and proteins. Followers believed it could cure diseases and lead to spiritual harmony.
The diet’s overly restrictive nature made it unsustainable for many, and its health claims were never scientifically proven. While the focus on whole foods was a step in the right direction, the macrobiotic movement often veered into pseudoscience.
The 1970s were a fascinating time for health trends—some were harmless, others outright dangerous, and most were rooted in a mix of optimism and limited knowledge. While we’ve come a long way in understanding wellness, these fads remind us of the era’s quirky charm and relentless pursuit of longevity. Which of these trends do you remember—or even try yourself?
