Fat Fines

Some of the changes made by the companies are progressive and should be an example to others around the world. Providing healthy meals and different ways to be active in the work place are great ideas. Unfortunately, these changes were due to the possibility of fines. Fining companies for having over weight workers is an unrealistic approach when trying to achieve a healthy society. A "one fits all" standard does not work when it comes to being healthy. All working individuals are required to meet the goal measurements for waist circumferences of 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women (this is less than the American Diabetes Association recommendation). As I wrote in a previous post, being slim does not mean that you are healthy. If health is the concern of the Japanese government since obesity rates have spiked in recent years, then a focus on optimal nutrition and regular physical activities should be the path for a solution. Penalizing individuals could lead to possible eating disorders and psychological issues likely to affect work performance. A re-evaluation should be done in order to find a better method to reach the goal of dropping obesity rates and regaining a healthier society that can truly benefit all parties involved.