It's going to be difficult for me to boycott everything Japanese...

[firecat]

...but if this report is true, I feel like I should.

http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2008/04/diversity-outlawed-in-japan.html
Excerpt:

To stem Japan’s “soaring obesity,” the health ministry has mandated that all waistlines among its 56 million workers over age 40 be below “regulation size” of 33.5 inches (for men). Any company failing to bring its employees’ weight under control — as well as the weights of their family members — will be fined up to 10% of its earnings by the government.

Comments

[karenkay.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's the fault of nationalized healthcare, just that it's easier to enforce.

It's true--I can't get private health insurance in the US. Instead, I can get "high risk pool" health insurance from the state for the tune of $800/month. I'm just glad I have employer-based health insurance.