Japan's Metabo Law
Japan introduced a set of guidelines – the Standards Concerning Implementation of Special Health Examinations and Special Public Health Guidance under the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor Order 159 (the "Metabo Law") – on April 1, 2008 to address national concern that half of all men and 1 in 5 women between the ages of 40 and 74 were showing signs of metabolic syndrome.
Manansala notes [1] that the guidelines:
- aimed to reduce the overweight population by 10% over the 5 years and by 25% over the next 7 years.
- called for local governments and employers to conduct mandatory annual examinations, including measurement of waistlines for people between the ages of 40 and 74 (44% of the population). [3]
- required individuals who exceeded the maximum waist line of 33.5 in (85 cm) for men and 35.4 in (90 cm) for women, and who doctors determined were in the most severe category, to attend counseling sessions over the next three months to lose weight and make lifestyle changes. [2]
- required employers to ensure a minimum of 65% participation with the exam and 25% reduction in obesity within 7 years (or face penalties of up to 10% of the current payments – which would go to fund elderly care.