The term metabolic syndrome is now a much used media mainstay in Japan, and, as well as anyone a little meaty now being known as ‘metabo’, those weighing in with waists considered a bit wobbly — over 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 for women — will initially receive government ordered dietary guidance, or even re-education, if a reduction isn’t realised.
A situation that, while undoubtedly well intentioned, has resulted in those even a fraction flabby feeling the full force of all the fat-related fuss, with even little (or even not so little) ‘uns being similarly singled out.
Like this young fella for example. As, if a belittling day by the bench wasn’t bad enough, there was even the affront of being photographed by a funny-looking foreigner.
(click image for, erm, bigger batter)
Drew says
Personally I think this is ridiculous.. BMI is already a silly indication at best, because it fails to take a person’s body build into account — I know body builders who mark as “obese” by BMI standards.. But this one takes even height out of the picture, equating an apple-shaped 4’9″ guy with a slim 6’5″ one, because they both have the same waist size.
Honor says
It does seem a rather reactionary response without much thought. BMI is currently being questioned anyway as to it’s accuracy of data – or at least the interpretation of it. Wouldn’t it be better to just educate people to eat healthy diets!