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On Feb. 27, 1833, Joseph Smith said he had a revelation from God. This is contained in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89.
When this was first introduced to the Saints, it wasn't yet a commandment but a guideline for better health. It also wasn't greeted by the members with much enthusiasm.
Although it wasn't yet a commandment, disobedience to it had its penalties.
In the year 1851, the prophet Brigham Young announced that the Word of Wisdom was now a commandment from God. The prophet Joseph Fielding Smith explains.
The early Mormons had a hard time obeying this commandment. This just illustrates how hard it is to give up certain things, even under direction from the Lord.
As time went on, this commandment was still difficult for many of the members. There was even confusion as whether this was a commandment or not.
Failure to obey the Word of Wisdom can keep members from going on a preaching mission.
Obedience to this commandment is used as part of the criteria for receiving assignments within the Church, and potential converts are strongly encouraged to obey it before being baptized a Mormon.
During my research I've come across a story from several sources which depicts what I feel is the true origin" of this principle.