METABOS – Seeking Trim Waist

56 million Japanese citizens stand accused of being part of the dreaded Metabo Group. “Officials have moved aggressively to measure” the Metabos “in what the government calls ‘special checkups.’” Metabos represent “one of the most serious and politically delicate problems facing Japan today.” Employers and local governments have been ordered to give the Metabos 3 months to obey “the new state-prescribed limit under a national law that came into effect two months ago.” After that, “those people will be steered toward further re-education.”

How will the local population respond to Metabos living among them after the government has identified them as the cause of a national crisis? Will family, friends, neighbors, or employers unite to protect Metabos from persecution, or will the “new law,” under which a company faces severe penalties for failure to control “not only its employees, but also their families and retirees” turn opinion against Metabos?

An “anti-metabo campaign” song has the population dancing in the City of Amagasaki. “An official in Matsuyama, a city that has acted aggressively against Metabo, said he would leave the debate over the campaign’s merits to experts and health officials in Tokyo.”

Metabo is “the preferred word in Japan these days for overweight. Obesity has a negative image, Dr. Sakamoto said. Metabo sounds much more inclusive.”

Obesity does have “a negative image.” The one wearing the extra weight knows the emotional costs. Mean names and cruel campaigns are personal tolls that can turn life into a spectator sport. The health risks of metabolic syndrome include obesity, vascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. A cute sounding name like Metabo won’t change the risks or penalties of obesity. Statistically, being overweight is held against you by insurance companies, prospective employers, airplane seats, and comedians.

Middle Georgia Moms posted this just hours after the Metabo article appeared in the New York Times: “Now about the story, I think it is no good (I of course am a big girl) Laws to over come obesity are doomed to fail.” Her ‘short story’ may rival the saddest words Elizabeth Berg has written. Doomed to fail…the thoughts and results so many dieters know so well.

Laws ‘to over come obesity’ may be ‘doomed to fail.’ Wishing, hoping and most ‘diets’ fail as well. To lose weight you have to learn to eat healthy foods in smaller portions. To keep the weight off you need to learn new, healthier habits. You can change your life. Sensei can help you. We can share a plan for small changes, better choices, and healthier long term habits. Our goal is to help you get started, and be there for you all along the way.

Laws may not overcome obesity. Choosing to change your life will.

- Nancy