Ridiculous History: A Ridiculous History of "Fad Diets" Released on July 10, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bullen and Noel Brown delve into the intriguing and often bizarre world of fad diets throughout human civilization. Joined by their super producer Dylan "the Chainsaw" Fagan, the trio explores the evolution of dieting—from its holistic origins in ancient Greece to the dangerous and downright ridiculous methods employed in the Victorian era and beyond.

Origins of the Term "Diet"

Noel Brown opens the discussion by tracing the etymology of the word "diet," revealing that it originates from the Greek word diatia (03:00). According to Louise Foxcroft from BBC Magazine, "dieting back then was about all-around mental and physical health," emphasizing a balanced lifestyle rather than mere weight loss (03:20). This holistic approach encompassed not just food intake but also mental wellness and community connection, contrasting sharply with today's often superficial interpretations of dieting.

Victorian-Era Dieting and William Bant (06:32)

Ben Bullen introduces William Bant, a pivotal figure in the history of dieting. In his 1863 book, Letter on Corpulence, Bant outlines a diet plan that gained immense popularity. Remarkably, the term "bant" became synonymous with dieting, as in, "I'm banting right now," which the Oxford English Dictionary notes was used from the late 1800s until 1963 (07:29).

Bant, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 202 pounds, experienced joint pain and other health issues. His doctor, William Harvey, suggested eliminating foods high in carbohydrates and fats, recommending a diet rich in animal proteins, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables. This regimen not only helped Bant lose weight at a rate of one pound per week but also alleviated his joint pain and sogar improved his hearing, a claim that astonishes both hosts (11:28).

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown reflects, "We're not medical advice. These folks shouldn't attempt these diets." (12:58)

Dangerous and Bizarre Diet Practices

The conversation takes a darker turn as Ben Bullen discusses the macabre trend of ingesting parasites as a weight loss method in the Victorian era (16:20). Swallowing tapeworm eggs was promoted with the promise that these parasites would absorb calories, allowing individuals to eat freely without gaining weight. However, this practice was fraught with peril. In cases where tapeworms survived stomach acid and matured in the intestines, they could grow up to 30 feet long, causing severe health issues such as diarrhea, brain swelling, dementia, and more (17:27).

Notable Quote:

Ben warns, "Don't ingest parasites on purpose. These folks. Don't do it." (20:14)

This absurdity is humorously paralleled with a fictional pharmaceutical ad scenario, highlighting the ridiculousness of such dangerous diet fads (19:22).

Horace Fletcher and Extreme Masticating (25:52)

The hosts explore the extreme practices of Horace Fletcher, known as the "Great Masticator" (25:52). Fletcher believed that thoroughly chewing food—up to 722 chews for a green onion—was essential for proper digestion and preventing obesity. His obsessive chewing habits became a hallmark of his dietary philosophy, even to the point of showcasing his efficient digestion at social gatherings (27:27).

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown humorously notes, "A mouthful of bread might take a few dozen chews to liquefy, but with a green onion, it took Fletcher 722 chews before he let himself swallow." (26:41)

Early Weight Loss Devices and Methods

Ben Bullen and Noel Brown discuss the advent of rubber undergarments in the Victorian era, initially marketed as a diet craze rather than for fashion or subcultural purposes (23:20). These garments were designed to make wearers sweat excessively, leading to temporary water weight loss. While innovative, these methods were uncomfortable and ineffective for long-term weight management.

Notable Quote:

Ben quips, "Can you imagine the smell of those sweated rubber garments?" (24:11)

Evolution of Diet Supplements and Medications

Transitioning to the 20th century, the conversation covers the rise and fall of various diet medications. Amphetamines, initially marketed as nasal decongestants, were repurposed as appetite suppressants. Despite their effectiveness in weight loss, they came with severe side effects, including paranoia, cognitive impairments, and even addiction (36:11).

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown emphasizes caution, "It's a personal choice. I'm not saying anyone should do that. But we can tell you what you should not do." (35:39)

The hosts also touch upon modern advancements like GLP-1s (e.g., Ozempic), which have revolutionized weight management but still require careful consideration regarding their long-term effects (30:17).

Modern Diet Trends and Historical Comparisons

Ben and Noel compare historical fad diets to contemporary trends, such as Keto, South Beach, and Weight Watchers. They highlight that while the methods have evolved, the underlying quest for quick fixes remains consistent. The discussion underscores the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes over temporary solutions.

Notable Quote:

Noel Brown advises, "Cutting out sugar, like not putting sugar in my coffee and cutting out alcohol or drinking a whole lot less alcohol, it is that alone game-changing." (44:20)

Concluding Insights

The episode wraps up with reflections on the cyclical nature of diet trends and the perpetual human desire for easy weight loss solutions. The hosts advocate for informed, sustainable approaches to health and caution against the allure of fads that promise miraculous results without considering long-term consequences.

Notable Quote:

Ben Bullen concludes, "The answer is almost always going to be, as you said, lifestyle. I would add, calorie deficit." (43:41)

Final Thoughts

Ridiculous History provides a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the lengths humans have gone to in their pursuit of weight loss. From ingesting parasites to extreme chewing and technological contraptions, the episode highlights both the ingenuity and the folly inherent in fad diets. By understanding the past, listeners are better equipped to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of diet trends today.

Key Takeaways:

• The concept of dieting has evolved from a holistic lifestyle to often superficial and risky practices.
• Historical fad diets, though sometimes bizarre, offer valuable lessons on the importance of sustainable health practices.
• Modern diet solutions, while more scientifically grounded, still require careful consideration and should be paired with overall lifestyle changes.

Don't Miss: For more intriguing episodes, including deep dives into topics like Big Sugar and the history of AI's impact on culture, be sure to subscribe to Ridiculous History on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.