A Short History of Dieting: A Century of Weight Loss Trends

Ear Stapling

Based upon the practice of acupuncture, ear stapling is basically an extra ear piercing that promises weight loss. A point in your ear cartilage called "point zero" is pierced with a surgical grade staple, which remains in your ear for anywhere from 6 weeks to three months. The idea is that when pressure is put on point zero, your appetite is suppressed.  Ear stapling only gained popularity over the past decade or so, but with projected weight loss of 2-5 pounds per week, it's quickly becoming one of the biggest diet fads in the country. One ear staple costs around $80, but for extreme cases you can get both ears stapled for an extra fee. Added bonus: the ear staple looks cool in a biker-chic kind of way. [Photo via]