Japan's citizens are well-known for their slim figures, healthy eating habits and longevity.
Or so you would think.
The Japanese government dropped a bombshell in mid-May -- almost a sixth of the population have or risk developing metabolic syndrome, a condition that can lead to diabetes, a stroke or a fatal heart attack. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry insists that to avert the danger many men with waists larger than 85 cm and women whose waists measure more than 90 cm need to change their diet and hit the gym, and fast.