The 5 Weirdest Fat Reduction Methods from History
July 2024 | Reading time: 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Throughout history, humans have concocted some truly bizarre methods in their quest to shed unwanted pounds. From the peculiar to the downright dangerous, here are five of the weirdest fat reduction methods that people have tried over the years.
1. Tapeworm Diet
In the early 20th century, some desperate dieters intentionally ingested tapeworm eggs, believing the parasites would help them lose weight by consuming calories from within. This dangerous practice could lead to severe health issues and even death.
2. Vibrating Belt Machines
Popular in the 1950s and 60s, these contraptions promised to jiggle away fat without any effort. Users would stand on a platform with a belt around their waist, hips, or thighs, which would then violently shake the body. Unsurprisingly, they were largely ineffective for weight loss.
3. Sleeping Beauty Diet
This method, rumoured to have been used by Elvis Presley, involved being sedated for days at a time. The idea was that if you were unconscious, you couldn’t eat. This extremely dangerous practice could lead to numerous health complications and addiction.
4. Soap Diet
In the 1930s, a soap called ‘Fat-O-NO’ was marketed as a fat-reducing soap. Users were instructed to wash problem areas with the soap, which supposedly contained magical fat-dissolving ingredients. In reality, it was just ordinary soap with some fragrance added.
5. Cigarette Diet
In the 1920s, cigarette companies capitalised on the desire to be thin by marketing cigarettes as an appetite suppressant. One famous campaign urged women to “Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet.” This method not only failed to provide significant weight loss but also exposed users to numerous health risks associated with smoking.
While these methods may seem laughable today, they serve as a reminder of the lengths people will go to in pursuit of the ‘ideal’ body. It’s always best to approach weight loss through healthy eating and regular exercise, under the guidance of medical professionals.
Thankfully, technology has come a long way. Tried and tested methods of fat reduction such as Fat Freezing are available from VIVO Body Studio.

Fat Freezing
2x ApplicatorsFat Freezing 360° is a full coverage, non-surgical fat removal treatment with potentially long-term results. How many applicators do I need?
Related Articles

Laser Hair Removal Birmingham
Permanent laser hair removal at VIVO Body Studio Birmingham At VIVO Body Studio Birmingham, we use advanced and effective laser...
Are the ‘healthy’ fizzy drink options any good?
There are countless ‘healthy’ fizzy drink options in the market, but do they actually offer any benefits over their full-fat...
The Best Fitness Trackers
Which fitness tracker is right for you? We live in a society that is becoming ever more obsessed with health...
How to prevent skin damage in the winter
The festive season of baubles, presents, and merrymaking may be the worst for your skin, but it does not have...
Water Aerobics – Get Fit in Water
Water aerobics has a bit of a reputation for being something that the elderly do but in fact, it's a...
Botox Injections in Birmingham
The popular anti-aging treatment comes to VIVO Body Studio As we get older, the signs of ageing are most apparent...
Make Every Day Stylish
Being stylish is all about knowing how to accentuate your natural beauty while being comfortable in your own skin. (more…)
Embrace a Balanced Lifestyle: Secrets to Living Your Best Life
What is a Balanced Lifestyle?A balanced lifestyle is all about finding harmony between various aspects of your life, such as...
Preparing for non-surgical blepharoplasty
While you consider whether you could benefit from a blepharoplasty treatment, read about preparation, aftercare, and what to expect. Plasma...
Spices to naturally boost the immune system
A brief look at four everyday spices that go a long way in helping the body stay healthy and strong....
Alternatives to Blepharoplasty Surgery
Sometimes, eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) is medically necessary. For instance, doctors may recommend it to those with superior visual field loss...
It’s Time To Embrace Hair Loss, and Take Action!
Although there is not necessarily a stigma attached to hair loss, many people find it incredibly difficult to talk about. This...Happy Customers
1,539 Reviews and CountingMobina carried out this treatment and she is v knowledgable, professional and attentive throughout. I’ve got my next appointment booked & can’t wait to see the results after that session.
I would highly recommend this treatment and Mobina.