The AYDS diet was a weight loss program popular mainly in the 1970s and 1980s that featured appetite suppressant candies and shakes. AYDS products contained an active ingredient called phenylpropanolamine (PPA), which helped reduce hunger and calorie intake by suppressing appetite. However, concerns over the safety of this ingredient led to a recall in 1987 due to links to stroke risks, and the product line was discontinued. Additionally, the rise of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s caused the brand name AYDS, which sounded like AIDS, to become problematic and contributed to the decline in sales. Despite its past popularity and endorsements by celebrities, AYDS is now considered outdated and potentially harmful for weight loss due to its banned ingredients and safety issues.