How the Metabo Law Aims to Reduce Obesity in Japan

In 2008, Japan set the Metabolic Syndrome Countermeasures Act as a new health mandate for its citizens. Contrary to public misconception, the Metabo Law does not criminalize being overweight. Instead, the legislation is meant to encourage residents to lose weight if it’s needed to improve their health. It involves annual waist measurements for people between the ages of 45 and 74. If the numbers are outside the established standard, the individuals are given professional counseling to help them make lifestyle changes. 

The Global Rise of Obesity

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is becoming a prominent health issue all over the globe. WHO states that worldwide adult obesity rates have more than doubled since the 1990s, and adolescent obesity rates have quadrupled. The organization defines obesity as a “chronic, relapsing disease arising from complex interactions between genetics, neurobiology, eating behaviours, access to healthy diet, market forces, and the broader environment.” Other causes can include medications, diseases, immobilization, and a lack of physical activity. The diagnosis of obesity is made after taking measurements, such as weight and height to calculate BMI, and waist circumference. 

The initiative utilises waist measurement as opposed to BMI (Body Mass Index) because BMI doesn’t directly calculate body fat. In fact, some athletes in tip-top shape may be “obese” because of their height and weight ratio. Alternatively, waist measurement can give a more accurate reading of body fat percentage. Obesity is a pressing health concern because of it’s association with metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, poor cholesterol levels, etc. These issues increase the risk of other conditions, including type 2 diabetes, digestive disorders, sleep apnea, heart diseases, stroke, organ damage, cognitive issues, and cancer, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Despite the Metabo Law, the global rise in obesity is still reflected in Japan, with WHO reporting 3.4% of adult obesity in 2008 and 5.5% in 2022. That is still an improvement compared to countries like the U.S. where there’s a 42% prevalence of adult obesity. The Metabo Law is intended as a preventative measure to decrease healthcare costs for the aging population. 

So the Japanese Ministry of Health dictated that men should have waistlines smaller than 33.5 in (85 cm) for men and 35.4 in (90 cm) for women. Those outside of this range are required to speak with a counselor or medical expert about improving their health. These check-ins are carried out annually at workplaces. Individuals don’t receive direct consequences for being overweight, but companies and local governments can incur monetary penalties if a certain percentage of their residents don’t measure up. This incentivizes businesses to become more mindful of their employees’ health. They may incorporate disease prevention measures such as nutrition seminars, morning exercises, and joint sports challenges to encourage physical activity. 

Many Americans may balk at this type of law, considering a breach of privacy and personal freedom. However, most locals accepted the policy, and believe it shows how the government cares about their health and longevity, says Japanese publication Gaya One. Since the program focuses on fostering better habits, not penalizing bad ones, it has cultivated a lot of favor. Still, many criticize the Metabo Law, calling it invasive and stigmatizing of larger bodies.

What Makes Japan a Healthy Country?

Health consciousness is not restricted to those in the workforce. Japanese schools operate a lunch program that provides nutritious meals and food education. The menu is uniform, offering a staple food, main dish, side dish, drink, and dessert, according to a 2019 article in the Journal of Public Health. The nutrition standards for each meal are regulated by the School Lunch Program Act. Meanwhile, Japan has one of the longest life expectancies in the world, reports a 2025 study. This may be unsurprising since regular physical activity is common in the aging population, including calisthenics, resistance training, walking, dancing, sports, yoga, and more.

Overall, the average Japanese diet is vastly different than an average American’s. Even their fast foods, while similarly high in sodium and refined carbs, feature smaller portions and fresh ingredients. Traditional Japanese cuisine often includes fish, soya beans and fermented soy products, rice, green tea, and whole fruits and vegetables, according to a 2020 review in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Eating habits are different as well. There’s a common attitude toward food to eat until you are 80% full. And instead of loading up a meal on a large plate, they eat from small bowls and enjoy a rotation of dishes, including soups and sides. The multiple dishes help diversify the diet while supplying enough protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and probiotics. This rotation style of eating can also help people feel more satisfied as they go about their day. Although U.S. citizens are unlikely to accept a Metabo Law, they may benefit from adapting certain aspects of Japan’s health culture.

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