On my continuing quest to discern the causes of the Great American Weight Gain, I've stumbled across this suspicious pattern: Many of the cartoons, mascots and characters that exist to sell us food (particularly junk food) are overweight. Some seriously so. Just take a look at these role models with rolls to spare:

When a chubby Cap'n Crunch makes us smile and buy his cereal, are we also buying into the desire to be as adventurous and likeable as the fearless Cap'n?

Aunt Jemima used to be huggably soft, so much so that The Quaker Oats Company updated her look recently. The revamp must have included some time at the gym, because new Jemima is looking a lot more svelte.

Speaking of Quaker Oats, the Quaker Oats man is not looking all that trim himself. Odd, because oatmeal is quite good for lowering cholesterol and is also a great source of fiber.

We all know of the ironic fate that befell Wendy's founder Dave Thomas. He was a victim of his own bacon cheeseburgers.

The infamous Keebler Elves. Pushing cookies and cholesterol to kids in all 50 states. Not a single elf in the bunch that couldn't stand to lose 10 lbs.

Is it any wonder this character's name is Grimace? There are 34 grams of fat in one Big Mac and Grimace looks like he's been stocking up.

They're clever and they seem to know lots of celebrities. Pop a few M&Ms to be just as popular - and rotund - as these crunchy candies.

Arguably the character that works the hardest to capture our hearts, wallets and stomachs. There are strict rules that the Pillsbury doughboy must always be a helper, teacher or friend in appearances. Who wouldn't eat bread from a friend?

Hey look, a tall, thin, muscular guy! What he selling? Vegetables!