I didn’t realize that Japan had enacted a law that will certainly improve it’s economic malaise:
Under a national law that came into effect two months ago, companies and local governments must measure the waistlines of Japanese people ages 40 to 74 as part of their annual checkups. That represents more than 56 million waistlines, or about 44 percent of the population.
Those exceeding government limits — 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women, which are similar to thresholds established in 2005 for Japan by the International Diabetes Federation as an easy guideline for identifying health risks — and suffering from a weight-related ailment will be given dieting guidance if after three months they do not lose weight. If necessary, those people will be steered toward further re-education after six more months. (The Seattle Times)
Re-education?!? Isn’t that how Pol Pot reduced Cambodian waistlines?
I’m aghast; the reporter is impressed: Japan, a country not known for its overweight people, has undertaken one of the most ambitious campaigns ever by a nation to slim down its citizenry.
Without a doubt, similar legislation will be introduced in the US within the year. Time to bid adieu to the NFL.
