Often, it is that which was not originally meant to be a joke which we find most amusing. Such is the case with this 1912 advertisement for the miracle weight-loss cure, “Kellogg’s Safe Fat Reducer” from Christlicher familien-Kalender. The first reads “Don’t stay fat” and is followed by “proof” of the cure’s efficacy in the form of before and after photographs, which, with the notable exception of dress code (no bikinis here), closely resemble those of today’s late night infomercials. The picture is completed by the familiar addition of a special offer—A free box! A one dollar value! Just send in your coupon!
