The Japanese government wants its citizens to lose weight and is using some draconian measures to make sure it happens.

"Reduced exercise, the adoption of western foods and an aging population have made Japanese men about 10 percent heavier than they were 30 years ago, ministry statistics show. Women are 6.4 percent fatter.

The ministry estimates that half of men over age 40 and 20 percent of women will be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. For men, a key yardstick is whether they have a waistline wider than 85 centimeters (33.5 inches). Body mass, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and smoking will also be taken into account.

Companies will be required to cut the number of overweight workers and dependents by 10 percent as of 2012 and 25 percent by 2015. Failing to do so will result in a surcharge of as much as 10 percent on contributions to a fund for elderly care. Insurance groups paid 6.4 trillion yen into the fund in 2004."

This is a pretty dangerous slippery slope if you ask me. If you follow this logic further, then you could start monitoring what people eat, how much they exercise, the air they breathe, their family health history, and their genetics.  This kind of mandate will surely improve the overall health of the country, but at what cost?  This is way over the line in my opinion - and not a good part of any free society.