IN JAPAN, IT'S ILLEGAL TO BE FAT

Don’t get fat in Japan! According to new laws passed about four years ago, it’s illegal to be above a certain waist measurement. If a male surpasses 33.5 inches in the waist, he’s considered “fat.” For women, it’s 35.4 inches.

If you reach or go over the threshold, you will have to attend counseling with a physician or, for the more obese individuals, might be responsible for your company getting fined. To encourage a healthy weight, you also may be given gifts of pedometers and gym memberships, so that’s cool.

The goal of this program is to prevent obesity, as well as to lower healthcare costs.It may seem almost draconian in its execution, but it’s a good idea, and one the United States could certainly benefit from.