15 Health Myths from the ’80s That We Laugh at Today

The awesome ’80s – a decade of big hair, neon colors, and some pretty questionable health advice. Looking back, it’s easy to see that many of the health trends and beliefs that were popular during this time were more fiction than fact. From crazy diets to dangerous workout routines, the ’80s were a wild west of health myths and misconceptions.

Let’s take a nostalgic (and slightly cringe-inducing) look back at 15 health myths from the ’80s that we can’t help but laugh at today. So, put on your leg warmers, grab a Tab cola, and let’s remember the wacky world of ’80s health advice!

“Aerobics is the Only Exercise You Need!”

In the ’80s, aerobics was all the rage. With Jane Fonda leading the charge, many people believed that bouncing around in leotards and leg warmers was the only exercise they needed to stay in shape. While aerobics can be a great workout, we now know that a balanced fitness routine should include a variety of activities, including strength training and flexibility exercises.

“Fat-Free Means Healthy!”

The ’80s saw the rise of the fat-free craze, with many people believing that cutting out all fat from their diet was the key to good health. However, we now know that not all fats are created equal, and that healthy fats like those found in nuts, avocados, and olive oil are actually essential for our bodies to function properly.

“Diet Soda is Better Than Regular Soda!”

In the ’80s, diet soda was marketed as a healthier alternative to regular soda. However, we now know that the artificial sweeteners used in diet soda can actually be harmful to our health, and that drinking too much of any kind of soda can lead to a host of health problems.

“Margarine is Healthier Than Butter!”

Back in the ’80s, margarine was touted as a healthier alternative to butter. However, we now know that the trans fats found in many margarines can actually increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Today, many health experts recommend using natural, grass-fed butter in moderation instead.

“You Can Spot-Reduce Fat!”

In the ’80s, many people believed that they could target specific areas of their body for fat loss through exercises like sit-ups and leg lifts. However, we now know that spot-reduction is a myth, and that the only way to lose fat is through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.

“Tanning Beds are Safe!”

In the ’80s, tanning beds were all the rage, with many people believing that they were a safe way to achieve a golden glow. However, we now know that tanning beds can be incredibly harmful to our health, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

“You Should Stretch Before Exercise!”

For years, it was common advice to stretch before exercise to prevent injury. However, recent research has shown that static stretching before a workout can actually decrease athletic performance and increase the risk of injury. Instead, experts now recommend doing a dynamic warm-up to get the body ready for exercise.

“You Need to Detox Your Body!”

The idea of “detoxing” the body through special diets or supplements was popular in the ’80s (and still persists today). However, the truth is that our bodies are naturally equipped to detoxify themselves through organs like the liver and kidneys. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated is the best way to support these natural detoxification processes.

“You Can’t Get Enough Protein!”

In the ’80s, many people believed that loading up on protein was the key to building muscle and losing weight. However, we now know that while protein is important, it’s possible to get too much of a good thing. Consuming excessive amounts of protein can actually be harmful to our health, particularly if it comes from animal sources high in saturated fat.

“You Should Take a Daily Multivitamin!”

In the ’80s, taking a daily multivitamin was seen as a simple way to ensure that you were getting all the nutrients you needed. However, we now know that getting nutrients from whole foods is always preferable to taking supplements, and that taking too many vitamins can actually be harmful to our health.

“You Should Avoid Carbs!”

Low-carb diets were all the rage in the ’80s, with many people believing that cutting out carbohydrates was the key to weight loss. However, we now know that carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet, providing our bodies with the energy we need to function properly. The key is to choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables over simple, refined carbs.

“You Should Do High-Impact Aerobics!”

High-impact aerobics, which involved a lot of jumping and pounding movements, were incredibly popular in the ’80s. However, we now know that these types of exercises can be very hard on the joints, particularly for those who are overweight or have pre-existing joint problems. Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and elliptical training are now recommended as safer alternatives.

“You Can Eat All the Grapefruit You Want!”

The “grapefruit diet” was a popular fad in the ’80s, with many people believing that eating grapefruit with every meal could help them lose weight quickly. While grapefruit can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, there’s no evidence to suggest that it has any special fat-burning properties. In fact, eating too much grapefruit can interact with certain medications and cause harmful side effects.

“You Should Avoid Gluten!”

While gluten-free diets are necessary for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the idea that everyone should avoid gluten didn’t really take hold until the 2000s. In the ’80s, many people happily chowed down on bread, pasta, and other gluten-containing foods without a second thought. We now know that for most people, gluten is perfectly safe to consume as part of a balanced diet.

“You Should Take Diet Pills!”

Diet pills were incredibly popular in the ’80s, with many people turning to appetite suppressants and “fat burners” in an attempt to lose weight quickly. However, we now know that many of these pills were incredibly dangerous, causing heart palpitations, anxiety, and even death in some cases. Today, health experts recommend losing weight through a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and behavior modification instead.

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