Popular diets through the years

The Grapefruit Diet

This diet, which has been around since at least the 1930s, according to WebMD, has enjoyed a long life. Akin to other diets, like the Atkins plan, it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Except there is one difference: it's power apparently comes from grapefruits. "Unfortunately, the weight lost is primarily from fluids and not fat and generally returns as soon as the dieter goes off the diet," according to WebMD.

(Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff)
The Grapefruit Diet This diet, which has been around since at least the 1930s, according to WebMD, has enjoyed a long life. Akin to other diets, like the Atkins plan, it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Except there is one difference: it's power apparently comes from grapefruits. 'Unfortunately, the weight lost is primarily from fluids and not fat and generally returns as soon as the dieter goes off the diet,' according to WebMD.