Random bits of Audrey-ness

Under a national law that came into effect two months ago, companies and local governments must now measure the waistlines of Japanese people between the ages of 40 and 74 as part of their annual checkups. That represents more than 56 million waistlines, or about 44 percent of the entire population.

Those exceeding government limits — 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women, which are identical to thresholds established in 2005 for Japan by the International Diabetes Federation as an easy guideline for identifying health risks — and having 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.

To reach its goals of shrinking the overweight population by 10 percent over the next four years and 25 percent over the next seven years, the government will impose financial penalties on companies and local governments that fail to meet specific targets. The country’s Ministry of Health argues that the campaign will keep the spread of diseases like diabetes and strokes in check.

The ministry also says that curbing widening waistlines will rein in a rapidly aging society’s ballooning health care costs, one of the most serious and politically delicate problems facing Japan today.  From  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/world/asia/13fat.html?_r=1&no_interstitial&oref=slogin

 

I am all for that happening here, except making individuals financially responsible. Think of all the health problems that are weight related that would go away if this was law.  There would be a significant drop in heart attacks, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and overall obesity if pressure was put on individuals to lose weight or pay.  People would have to actually think about what they put in their mouths instead of noshing on whatever is convenient.  The money, which would probably be a lot at first, from the fines could go toward select charities. Think of the good that could be done. The possibilities are endless.  Health insurance rates would drop.  Meat consumption would drop.  It seems like a win-win deal.

Would you be for this?  Would you be more apt to lose weight if you had to pay if you didn’t?  And don’t start with the excuses.  There is NO excuse for not exercising and eating right.  If Jared from Subway can do it, you can too.