Japan (Of All Places) Has a Fat Tax
This is by way of Robin Hanson, who provides further commentary:
The law mandates that local governments and employers add a waist measurement test to the annual mandatory check up of 40-75 year olds. For men and women who fail the test and exceed the maximum allowed waist length of 33.5 and 35.4 inches, they are required to attend a combination of counseling sessions, monitoring through phone and email correspondence, and motivational support.
I understand that the Japanese are the healthiest people in the world, but this law is ridiculously invasive. I don’t care if it cuts health costs, there is a line and measuring waistlines crosses that line.
The only occupational areas where waistlines should be measured during “mandatory” checkups (whatever that is) is military and maybe firemen.
At first glance, I thought this post was about a new “flat” tax in Japan. Imagine my disappointment when I opened and began reading…
35 inches? That’s tough!
To Tom — Yes, what a waist!
A 35 inch waist limit is rather subjective. If you’re 5’5″ a 35 inch waist is rather pudgy. However, if you’re 6’5″ a 35 inch waist is rather skinny.
What next, skinny Sumo? Or will they have wavers like Obamacare?
Just another example of the “slippery slope” theory. I wonder if they get their buy health insurance mandate wish that someday our waistline mandate will follow!! Nothing surprises me anymore.
This just in: “Godzilla outraged by new waistline standards, destroys several major cities in protest!”
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