The Fight Against Obesity

As Seen in the New York Times -
June 13, 2008
Japan, Seeking Trim Waists, Measures Millions
By NORIMITSU ONISHI

Two months ago, a new law came into effect in Japan, requiring companies and local governments to measure the waistlines of people between the ages of 40 and 74. The move marks the government’s latest effort to curtail “metabolic syndrome” (or “metabo” as it is colloquially known), a collection of factors including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Metabo has become national shorthand for “overweight.”

The new law mandates limits on waistlines -- 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women. People exceeding the limit and having a weight-related illness will be given dieting guidance if they do not lose weight within three months of being measured. Companies and local governments that fail to meet specific targets will be fined.

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