The Jemima Diet

Over a pancake breakfast, my dad noted that Aunt Jemima has lost quite a bit of weight over the years. I looked it up and sure enough, it's true.


However, as Aunt Jemima's weight has declined, the rest of the American population's weight ballooned. According to a 2002 study, the average American weights 25 lbs more than in 1960. What's up with the inverse relationship? Was Aunt Jemima's new figure so appealing that we couldn't help but shove endless vats of buttermilk pancakes and syrup down our throats?