Japan’s Extreme Tactics to Fight Obesity: Workplace Weigh-ins & Fat-Shaming Apps

Japan’s Approach to Obesity: A Look at Channel 4’s New Series

Channel 4’s new series, ‘Around the World in 80 Weighs,’ offers viewers a deep dive into Japan’s rigid views on weight and body image. In the first episode, six UK contestants, struggling with their weight, journey to Japan—a nation where only four per cent of the population is obese, in stark contrast to the UK’s 25 per cent.

Uncovering Japan’s Weight Loss Secrets

Participants embarked on their journey of discovering weight loss secrets with an open mind, only to uncover some shocking realities. From toxic apps and mandatory morning exercise to waistline checks by employers, Japan’s weight management strategies could be deemed stringent.

The Weight Loss Journey: Experiences and Discoveries

Throughout their journey, the participants, despite facing public ridicule, managed to collectively lose over two stones. They explored a bustling Tokyo market, interacted with locals, and discovered the strict measures in place to combat obesity. Through the course of the trip, they also found that obesity was a rare sight in Japan, largely due to diet and other harsh weight management methods.

Weight Loss Apps and Employer Involvement

During the first episode, the participants were introduced to a weight loss app called Nenshou, which combines personal training, anime dating, and a touch of shaming to motivate users to lose weight. Equally surprising to the participants was the active role that employers play in weight management. From broadcasting morning exercise classes to monitoring employee waistlines, Japanese workplaces take a hands-on approach towards health.

Social Stigma and Weight Renting Services

Participants experienced first-hand the social stigma associated with being overweight in Japan. The societal pressure to conform to a specific body image is so intense that there are companies that offer the services of ‘renting’ overweight people. These services provide companionship for those who might feel self-conscious about their weight or those who seek advice from people with similar body types.

Striking a Balance Between Physical and Mental Health

While Japan’s strategies have resulted in a healthier physical population, they come with controversial aspects. From renting out overweight individuals to promoting fat-shaming apps, the focus on physical health can sometimes overshadow the importance of mental health.