Bernarr Macfadden (1868-1955) was an influential exponent of physical culture, a combination of bodybuilding with nutritional and health theories. He additionally founded the long-running magazine publishing company Macfadden Publications. Macfadden founded Physical Culture magazine in 1899, and later parlayed it into a publishing empire, including True Story, True Romances, and the once-familiar movie magazine Photoplay. Macfadden wrote and contributed to many articles and books including Superb Virility of Manhood (1904), MacFadden's Encyclopedia of Physical Culture (1911-1912), Vitality Supreme (1915), Fasting for Health (1923), and The Milk Diet (1923). Macfadden made an unsuccessful attempt to found a religion, "cosmotarianism", based on physical culture. He claimed that his regimen would enable him to reach the age of 150. Nicknamed "Body Love Macfadden" by Time, he was a flamboyant personality who inspired millions of people around the world to live healthful and vigorous lives. Macfadden popularized the practice of fasting that previously had been associated with illnesses such as anorexia nervosa. He felt strongly that fasting was one of the surest ways to physical health.
