Very interesting article from the New York Times:
Japan, Seeking Trim Waists, Measures Millions
Japan has imposed very strict waist-size limits on its citizens. According to their Ministry of Health, it's an effort to reduce weight related diseases such as diabetes and strokes, and the medical costs associated with such diseases.
Here's my understanding:
If you fail to meet the limits (33.5 inches for males and 35.4 for females) three months after your initial violation, you are subject to "dieting guidance". If you still fail after an additional six months, you will be required to take re-education training.
Companies are also subject to waist-line limits, and must measure employees, retirees, and even families of the employees. If the companies fail to meet guidelines, they face substantial monetary penalties.
WOW. This definitely would not fly in the U.S., with roughly two-thirds of the population classified as overweight and one-third classified as obese.
Are you metabo (overweight)? Yikes! According to the 33.5 inch limit, I've only got about an inch and a half to spare...
2 comments:
Okay, so I just read that article and that's crazy! I mean, I know WHY they want to encourage their citizens to maintain a healthy waist line...but to actually measure...You're SO RIGHT, that would so NOT go over very well here...there would be so many angry people. Especially since we are an overweight country as it is. Thanks for sharing :)
This is crazy,, but not so crazy coming from Japan. :p. I actually like the idea.. It's targeting people age 40 and up... (~74?) .. so you have nthing to worry about for a while..
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