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DEL.ICIO.USGovernment mandate: a 33-inch waistline?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The New York Times reports that in Japan, “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.
“Those exceeding government limits - 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women, and having a weight related ailment will be given dieting guidance if after three months they do not lose weight. If necessary, they will be steered toward further re-education after six more months.”
The government will impose financial penalties on companies and local governments that fail to achieve targets for reducing the overweight population.
Yet the Japanese are nowhere near as overweight as Americans. The average waste size for American men is 39 inches, 36.5 for women. It is 32.8 for Japanese men and 28 inches for women.
Should the U.S. work harder on reducing obesity and improving health or is this an example of government regulation gone amuck?
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By Meme
June 16, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
Wow. Big Brother is here!
By kitty
June 16, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Actually insurance companies should do it. I am tired of paying for obese people’s medical problems. I have a friend who gained 50 lbs and is in complete denial.She now has sleep apnea and is “too tired” to exercise. Why should I pay for her laziness? All she needs to do is lose 10 lbs and the sleep apnea will go away. Get off the couch and walk 30 minutes a day, eat less garbage. That is all it takes to lose weight, but we all want a magic pill.
I think insurance companies should look at your weight upon the first weight related health claim such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea and then jack up your rates. Once you lose the weight and the health problem goes away, you can petition the insurance company to lower the surcharge for excess weight. If you have a car accident, thus increasing your risk for future accidents, your rates go up. Why shouldn’t they for excess weight?
By R_U_KIDDING
June 16, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
We might as well get used to government intrusion; it is only going to get worse. No politicians believe in small government any more. As the politicians slowly take away rights from us, before you know it we will have a socialist government.
By jimbo
June 16, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Your waist doesn’t necessarily define your health. It’s a crummy measure for health. When I was a 19 year old soldier, 6’ 3” and 175 pounds in the prime of life I still couldn’t meet this waist requirement. I had a 36 inch waist. Now I’m old and fat and I still only have a 38 inch waist, 2 inches larger than my prime but still miles away from 33 and some change.
By kitty
June 16, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Interesting! I notice not too many posts on this.
I guess too many folks went UH, OH..my waist is bigger than that, but I am NOT fat. Denial is not just a river in Egypt for some folks. Sad. Until people realize they have a problem they will just keep getting fatter. I say charge them extra for the “priviledge”. I don’t want to pay for their health problems while I am out there every night doing a three mile walk up and down hills.
By Thinking
June 16, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Japanese tend to be shorter than Americans on average. What would the target be for the US when adjusting for the height variance?
Being 6’3” with a 38 inch waste may not be off target. I am 6’1” with a 34 inch waste. While I would like to loose some weight, I don’t feel totally out of shape.
By SWM, 6 foot, 175 pounds
June 16, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Right on, Japan. We need to start mandating the same thing here in America to get the lazy-azz-fast-food-eating-can’t-work-cause-I-don’t want-to-baby-making-overweight-fatsos down to a respectable 160-175 pounds. If everybody got down to an acceptable weight, we would solve global warming, food shortages, water shortages, transportation problems, expensive healthcare problems, and general poor hygiene and smelliness problems in public.
By Jeff
June 16, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Not surprising to see all the pro-Big Brother, anti-Freedom types on here.
What about all those ‘compassionate’ types that care about the poor? Ever realize that junk food is a LOT cheaper than healthy food?
Insurance companies is a better solution than government, but even then I may well support a law that would maximize individual freedom by banning insurance companies from regulating this or any other health concern.
A man’s life is his own. Not the government’s. Not some corporation’s.
By kitty
June 16, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Jeff, you do realize that YOU are paying for their choice to be fat. By having a surcharge for being overweight on their insurance, they are at least paying for their choice to be fat and have weight related health problems. That doesn’t limit freedom. It just puts responsibility on the person making the choice as it should be.
By Margie Epstein
June 16, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
And the Asians also have a much lower cancer rate than we do which has been linked to diet. High fat and sugar has been linked to cancer. Their diet consists mainly of vegetables and lean meat. Genetics does play a big role in this, however much of our illness is a result of our diet.
By MrBrown
June 16, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
I agree that insurance companies should do this and have the government over see just to make sure the insurance companies are being fair.
By bad_kitty
June 16, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
yes kitty, and people that have had a cavity, history of cancer or disease, get sick more than once every couple of years, score lower than 32 on their ACT’s or are related to someone who has attempted or committed suicide should also have their rates go up. Why should I be responsible for paying for them. I’m obviously better than all of those people as well. Right?
By J
June 16, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
By that logic, we should just euthanize old people, because you don’t want to pay for their health insurance. In the long run, fat people cost less than others because they die younger. So you may pay right now for their high blood pressure, but you won’t be paying when they are 80, in a home, with dimentia, etc… Stupid ignorant people…
By V
June 16, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Granted there are a lot of obese in the US. I for one am not but feel that we should have the freedom to do what we want and how we live our lives even if it is not good for us. Those that are overweight know it already. We have the power to change the way we live whether we eat less, exercise, make more money, make less money… I wouldn’t like someone to tell me how i should look and live my life.
By Blogfather
June 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Our diets!
Do we really eat that? Have you ever considered whats in a fast food menu? It’s cartoon food for cardboard people.
We age quickly. Forget social security, it’s medicare that will ruin us.
There comes a point where a society will euthanize it’s old and sick. The indians did it. The nazis did it. The romans did it. Bees do it. Birds do it. Nature itself does it.
Why not americans? We’re just mindless animals, right? We’re automatons to be made into bozos for Saudi Royal Family amusement.
Arent’ we?
By Greg
June 16, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
We all believe in FREEDOM. Our FREEDOM to ingest all the Big Mac’s, Donuts and Coca-colas we want. BUT, we also believe in personal responsibility so we pay our own healthcare bills.
Now, to all you Leftists who want someone else to pay for your healthcare, stop sniveling. And quit BEGGING your responsible neighbors for their money. Your neighbors eat right, exercise and/or otherwise own their own health.
The problem with Leftists is they’re too LAZY to shut their gob. But they never have a problem holding their hand out!!!
McCain ‘08 - just for the FREEDOM of it.
ownyourhealth.com
By ATL Guy
June 16, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
This is Interesting…Japan is a country that has Nationalized HealthCare. People pay for other’s health problems. Its more of a collective society where U.S. is more individualistic.
Waist size is not the measure of health (feel bad for the Sumo Wrestlers!) , but steps must be taken to proactively check up on health. I’m coming from a European family and its appalling how Americans will Eat. Portion size with some exercise will do so much.
Am I against the check, nah not really. But, Government shouldn’t regulate the way you look. People have all shapes
By Greg
June 16, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
J
Yours is the “logic” that is clearly invalid.
The difference between OLD AGE and OBESITY is that OBESITY is a voluntary health choice (made by far too many Americans). OLD AGE is simply a chronological stage of life and not a voluntary choice. There’s little a victim of dementia can do to prevent that disease, however, everyone has the ability to choose their weight.
It was a nice try, Communist, better luck next time.
By yankee
June 16, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Never take seriously anyone named for a cat.
By itsme
June 16, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I am at a loss to understand how directing overweight people to educational programs will help. Are there really overweight people don’t know what makes them fat and how to remedy the problem? Eat less. Move more.
By R. Jeremy
June 16, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Hey, I got a body part the Japs could measure…
and, yes, Americans will ALWAYS be bigger there than Japan…
By MamaS
June 16, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Before we attack the obese, let’s CLOSE DOWN ALL CIGARETTE MANUFACTURERS AND BAN THE GROWING OR SALE OF TOBACCO. Think of all the money we would save from less cancer, less emphysema, and less allergic reactions to second hand smoke. When we have the smokers “cured” then we can close down all the fast food places and replace all escalators with staircases. Oh yes, and take away all the handicapped parking permits — make them walk. They will either get fit or have heart attacks and die — either way it will save money and free up parking spots!
By ATL Guy
June 16, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
RJeremy…I just got a call from Japananese Embassy…you measured 3 Inches. They aren’t Impressed…
By Betty Hastings
June 16, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
The comment by R-U Kidding—why should we just get used to government interference in our lives? We, the people, are supposed to be in charge, and there is no way that if we don’t like something, we should just “get used to it” and “before we know it, have a socialist government.” It is time we stood up and took responsibility for our own actions. It is alarming that we are getting to be a nation who seems to be accepting and even wanting government to patrol our every move—even our eating and food habits. I think that the government should be free to shoulder responsibilities of political nature and we should be taking responsibility for our waistlines.
By Ron Jeremy
June 16, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
ATL Guy
You’ve OBVIOUSLY never seen any of my movies….
By Big fat slob
June 16, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
it will just be a matter of time before the insurance companies do something like this. They have already started it with smokers. In our plan - smokers pay a $100 annual surcharge. It won’t be long before they come after me and my larger brethren.
this is what i love about this country - even our pets are fat. we are rich - might as well look it. I always tell myself that if this were in the time of the Rennaisance - I’d be a supermodel…
Here kitty, kitty, kitty. boy, i bet you have lots of friends. you sound friendly and non-judgmental at all.
By paul ccf
June 16, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
I say we should have a national healthcare system. screw the fat the smoking the drug abusing fools that us hard working people wind up paying for I work my butt off so some loser can benifit. wake up america or die.
By Road Scholar
June 16, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I think the government should limit the rights of stupid people. Professing stupidity should be painful…not to those who receive the stupidity… but to those who display it. Right, Kitty?
By the way, how did Shrub get re-elected?
By obama's yo mama
June 16, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
paul of the cccp
You’re a deranged Obama-loving socialist, polly.
By paul ccf
June 16, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
To obamma momma I bet your the first jerk in line with your hand out Wake up redneck and please excersise your right to kiss my brown eye
By Rod
June 16, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
We should just have two national insurance plans. One for in-shape folks, and the other for the “outta” shape folks.
You apply with a doctor. Based on criteria, you’re eligible for one or the other. Every other year you have to be re-tested to see if you need to change plans. That way, if you’re fat, you’ve got 2 years to lose the weight and get in the shapely group.
Of course, the premiums for the in-shape group are much lower than for the other group.
Problem solved. You wanna be fat? Pay the higher premium and it won’t affect those of us who care about our bodies.
By R. Jeremy
June 16, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Hey ATL guy - That measurement is correct. but it was 3 inches from the floor…
bwaaaa!!!!!
By =:>(
June 16, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
y-y-yeah! P-P-Polly is a d-d-deranged Obama lovin’ s-s-socialist!
By richard lyon
June 16, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Just as an FYI -Sleep Apnea is NOT caused by being overweight. Being overweight contributes to it, but its not uncommon for a skinny person to have it.
As to insurance premiums and weight - its a free country. Just about everything you do impacts others. Do you drive? You are making the roads less safe for others. Are you old? You are making insurance more expensive (and pointing out that old is inevitable, while weight isn’t, is an unimportant distinction, as a few minutes of thinking will attest). The real answer is to get rid of insurance all together. Destroy it. Its a broken idea that clearly doesn’t work.
By Paul ccf
June 16, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Hey fool dont you relize obama is going to be the next commander and chief. Why dontyou get a job and deal with it or it least clean up your yard and paint your trailer. Obama will fix whats wrong with country whether you like it or not.white in florida
By Can You Spell "Loser"?
June 16, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
“Commander and Chief”? Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! “dont” “relize” “dontyou” “it least” “whats” You lose 10 points for spelling and 50 points for supporting Obama. And - measure your waist - subtract 10 points for every inch over 33 inches. I’ll bet the result is a negative number. Go away, loser.
By jj
June 16, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
To everone concerned, I hope you enjoy a BLACK man in your WHITE house. I know I will. Time to burn the BUSH.
By messy
June 16, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
messy topic…. on one hand i’d have to agree America needs to do something about it…but why is it always government involved….come on what’s stopping you from not eating dinner out once per month and using that money for a healthclub subscription.
but if the government is involved they should just allow like they did back in the day claim the monthly $$ plan you paid to a healthclub or gym membership an allowable reductions for your taxes!!! That’ll motivate anyone!
By Paul ccf
June 16, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Spell This BARRACK OBAMMA Get used to it A-hole
By ATL Guy
June 16, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
JJ … Black man in the White house he’s Bi-Racial … White & Black. To me, no different than presidents with multi-cultural backgrounds, Stop with the Black / White thing, he’s both
By Jeff
June 16, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it telling when BARACK Obama’s OWN SUPPORTERS can’t even spell his name????
1 Reason Obama should NOT be elected: “So this is how freedom dies - with thunderous applause” - Sen. Amidala, Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones 2 Reason Obama should NOT be elected: Black racist idiots like jj@2:28By Can You Spell "Loser"?
June 16, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
You’re making this way too easy - Barack has one “r” and Obama has one “m”, stupid! Go away, loser.
By Anyone But Hillary
June 16, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
How do you spell “president”? M-c-C-A-I-N.
By jj
June 16, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU ATL YOU ARE CORRECT. I ENJOYED WATCHING PAUL MESS WITH JEFF AND GO AWAY LOSER. I BET THEY CAN SPELL GET A LIFE
By ATL Guy
June 16, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Everyone is treating this forum like a freakin Spelling Bee…who cares
By ATL Guy
June 16, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Real question is…how many of you in this forum are fat-unhealthy Americans?!?
Take Accountability for your Lives…if you eat terrible…just like any choice, you have consequences and will pay for it eventually
By kitty
June 16, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
richard lyon, you missed the part about the weight AND the weight related problem. Try reading slower next time before you jerk your knee.
Yep, ATL guy, I bet those who don’t like this idea weight more than you and I combined. Funny how that works.
By Jeff
June 16, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Question:
How many old, fat people do you see? (I’m talking 60+ here.)
Answer:
Not that many.
Question:
How many old people do you see in Nursing homes?
Answer:
Enough that even in towns with less than 2K people in the COUNTY, you typically have at LEAST TWO nursing homes that are completely FULL with waiting lists that can be dozens of names long!!
Which brings up my final question:
Since a person is not eligible for Medicare until age 65, which is going to cost Medicare more: The fat person that dies at 63, or the person who goes into a nursing home at 65 and yet lives for 20 years?
By J
June 16, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Jeff that was exactly my point. Why all the stress, either way you are going to pay, so don’t bash on the fat/old people.
By ATL Guy
June 16, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Kitty you are on Point, exactly. These obese people are talking about how much freedom they have and can do what they want etc. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone sued McDonalds for trans fat when these are the people stuffing Big Macs in their mouth. Own up for your Health & be proactive about it!!!
Its not hard, its a lifestyle choice
By =:>()
June 16, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
National Healthcare is ours.
Face it, Sen Craig, your aids is covered!
By bubba
June 19, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
And I’m tired of paying for all the drunks that kill people – let’s get rid of alcohol and for that matter, get rid of motor vehicles altogether that way the cost of insurance will go down with less people being injured/maimed and killed every year on the highways. Or if someone drinks alcohol then they are not entitled to obtain any insurance and by the same token, if you drive a motor vehicle and cause an accident, then you or your family are liable for all costs not the insurance company.
While we’re at it, why isn’t there a law that mandates that each woman is only allowed to have two children? If she has a third, it’s put under like a bad dog, that way I don’t have to pay for that extra brat’s health care.
And if the US mandates a 33” waist, then we can pretty much get rid of the game of football altogether, along with wrestling and probably some other sports.
The government could also pass a law that if some relative in your past has had heart, liver, lung problems, or cancer and any other problems then you shouldn’t be able to get insurance since you might have one of these problems also and it would reflect in the cost of my insurance.
We could also get rid of bicycles, monkey bars, swings, etc since I don’t want to pay for your or your kid’s hospital care.
What do you all think? Don’t you just love these ideas?