[sonya]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/wo...o_interstitial

Japan, Seeking Trim Waists, Measures Millions

By NORIMITSU ONISHI
Published: June 13, 2008
AMAGASAKI, Japan — 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.

[artich0ke]

I don't even know what to say to that... That seems pretty extreme, doesn't it? Asian people in general are so slender already. I'd like to see how this works out in the next couple of years.

[azhangie]

I read this article this morning...seems kind of demeaning for the gov't to impose a waist measurement requirement for it's people. I was very shocked that they even thought about doing this but they actually passed a law that allows it.

[LouisLady]

America would fail if this done here. lol

[Megs]

That sounds like they are trying to go in the right direction but the implementation is harsh!

[chinadoll724]

I'm so confused as to why the men's size is 2 inches smaller than the women's size. 33.5 for a guy isn't big at all, while 35.4 would be fairly large on a woman . . .

[artich0ke]

Originally Posted by chinadoll724

I'm so confused as to why the men's size is 2 inches smaller than the women's size. 33.5 for a guy isn't big at all, while 35.4 would be fairly large on a woman . . .

Maybe to account for a higher percentage of body fat that's considered "healthy" for women? More fat = healthier babies?

I am obviously not a medical expert nor a member of the Japanese government but it seems like that's something they could be thinking?

[kmh1190]

From what I'm hearing, people have become heavier in Japan than in past decades because they have adopted Western eating habits. The younger Japanese LOVE fast food, coffee drinks, etc. It sounds like they are trying to nip obesity in the bud before it becomes epidemic like the US. It's a weird way to do things but the Japanese are known for being quirky (have you ever watched a Japanese game show???)
My sister went to Japan for a summer and she stayed with a Japanese family along with another Japanese-American girl from San Jose. Both my sister and the SJ girl were heavy (5'4 160lbs) and the Japanese family was like "Oh my, they grow them big in the US". My sister said it was funny because the mother was worried that they wouldn't have enough food for them to eat.

[Tefhel]

I think it is an excellent idea. They should introduce it in the USA and the UK, where it is needed a million times more than in Japan. It will be really good if it works and helps to reduce heart disease and diabetes.

[elizat]

Originally Posted by azhangie

I read this article this morning...seems kind of demeaning for the gov't to impose a waist measurement requirement for it's people. I was very shocked that they even thought about doing this but they actually passed a law that allows it.

I agree. It seems over the top. Also, the thing is, even if you are thin, you are not guaranteed to not have heart problems, which is one of the things that is commonly associated with obesity. There is a girl I work with, she actually wears KIDS clothing, size 14 and she's 26. She has high blood pressure and was put on medication for it already! They've told her she'll have other heart issues as well. She eats like crap too- like movie size boxes of candy for lunch. Thin does not always equal healthy or good habits.

[karman]

I didn't read the whole article, but since most Asian people are pretty slender already I think the "limit" for women are pretty reasonable...for men though, not so much...

[declaredbeauty]

Originally Posted by kmh1190

From what I'm hearing, people have become heavier in Japan than in past decades because they have adopted Western eating habits. The younger Japanese LOVE fast food, coffee drinks, etc. It sounds like they are trying to nip obesity in the bud before it becomes epidemic like the US. It's a weird way to do things but the Japanese are known for being quirky (have you ever watched a Japanese game show???)
My sister went to Japan for a summer and she stayed with a Japanese family along with another Japanese-American girl from San Jose. Both my sister and the SJ girl were heavy (5'4 160lbs) and the Japanese family was like "Oh my, they grow them big in the US". My sister said it was funny because the mother was worried that they wouldn't have enough food for them to eat.

That's kind of sad, but funny.

I understand where they are coming from. Maybe the US should adapt some kind of system like that, not the exact thing though. I understand size acceptance, but I don't get the whole "It's okay to be overweight" thing.

American's become used to the fact that servings are quite large and when they notice a resturants servings getting smaller, people get upset. That is a really bad attitude IMO.

[cristalena56]

i think many times portions at restaurants is too much... i always have to get a box..

[ingenue]

To be fair, the waistline measurements they're expecting aren't really extreme. I might say it's a little harsh if it were 28 and 30, but 33 and 35 is pretty reasonable. I'm not a fit person in any way, and my waist measures 29. Having said that, though, maybe they should be focusing on things other than waist lines, like cardiovascular health (which I would hardcore fail).

[BagAngel]

I think it is a great idea that they are trying to prevent the Western world health problems before they take a grip. UK & USA needs to do this & soon! Fat around the waist is directly related to heart problems!