A Fine if You're Fat

That is an interesting debate and we agree that people in the U.S.A. would have issues in the work-place...LOL

We see people not inspired to work-out in healthy living...too tired after work, not enough time etc....
But, how much money is spent on diet pills & it's work-out plans that forget how to become a well rounded balance of a healthy life style? Stay in shape by finding what inspires you.

A good time to say something about the olympics in China....Wishing all the very best! And as we are from the USA...go U.S.A. Lets bring home the Gold...and inspire!

I agree; if only more businesses understood the benefit of positive reinforcement for a healthy lifestyle. It would cut down on sick time and possibly insurance costs.

It sounds extremely odd to me.
Is that a discrimination which hurts the opportunity of fatter people being hired?
I believe it is totally personal freedom to choose your body shape.
Are sumo players encourage to slim down, too?
Odddddddd, Jap is on a odddddd way.
It shouldn't be.

I totally disagree to fine companies when they employ overweight workers.
Furthermore, I personally think it's an act of discrimination.

If any company hope their employees keep healthy, go to gym more often
or do more exercises so forth and so on, there is no better way than
encouragement (at least from my viewpoint).

http://0rz.tw/5e4nV

I gather it's not okay to be older or out of shape if you're rich? Or is it okay if you just dress the part?? This isn't a dig on you Mr. Trump - but you spend a great deal of time commenting on weight. And, although a major concern in this country - what about the people with disabilities that can't just overcome the disability with a "diet" or "exercise"??? Could you spend a little more of your time, and wealth, on the disabled and elderly??? Or is fashion and appearance the only thing that speaks out for this society? If so then I've got a company for you to ponder - I've come to you before so here we go again.......

Dignity by Design Enterprise – high end, high fashion clothing for the physically challenged and disabled. [www.dignitybydesign.com] What does it mean to the Worldwide disabled, challenged and elderly pubic? How about the returning soldiers? Absolutely everything - it means dignity and and the simplicity of dressing well. Hey - this looks like a fabulous market opportunity - Especially when 1 in 4 Americans (alone) are disabled. Wouldn't it be worth a careful look by investors? Perhaps you, Mr. Trump. Do you owe me or the company or the disabled a look? No, but I thought you were a smart business man and an opportunist.

It is far from understood in this country the value of clothing that is dignified and elegant and affordable for all physical abilities or disabilities. There is nothing more inhumane than the struggle to meet daily needs without effect or the need to feel whole as an individual, not a disability. In past years I struggled to find investors with vision, that saw the need and would be willing to stand up for it with capital – but for those same years it always came down to the "glossier" investments – high tech. There was little room for understanding or even recognizing the disabled community or the elderly.

But times are changing, the market is changing. This market is in blazing need! And I'm it....I've got the products, and am go to market ready.... I'd imagine that you've got some spare cash lying around. Or maybe you're just more interested in the "diet craze market". I have no doubt that it's huge. But, don't you have a more noble legacy to leave? Perhaps "He saw a huge market and need, addressed it, made a couple more million, rallied for the disabled and saved a company. What a guy!"

Donna Freeberg, Dignity by Design, President

I think that it could work on a smaller scale in the US. Have potential employees sign a contract during the hiring process, stating that they will maintain a certain level of fitness during there time employed with your company. Outline and explain the standards that they must adhere to and if they don’t they’ll be fined or fired. I know it sounds cruel but it's for there own good.

sounds a good idea ,really, prise or house instead of fining ,

Mr Trump,

I think that fining fat citizens is a good idea. However, the fines collected should also be put to use by creating better health and fitness amenities for public use. It just doesn't make sense if the fines that are collected are used for other things/reasons/causes. Companies would surely benefit from this policy because there would be fewer employees getting sick or having illness due to imballanced body weight. Thus, fewer leave can be allocated and a more productive employees can be expected. Individuals should take responsibility for their own health and not let their company carry their responsibility. Thus, I would only agree if the individual is fined and not the company.

Prince Dudley,
Systems Engineer
http://birdseyesview.blogspot.com

If they start with this rule in Japan, I guess that Sweden is not far away... I enjoy healthy food like sushi and green tea, but the "big brother" shouldn't come and tell me what to eat. The National Board of Health and Welfare had a campaign with a slogan: "Eat 6 - 8 slices of bread per day."

Cheers!

All the Best,

Martin Lindeskog - American in Spirit.
Gothenburg, Sweden.

This isn't the first place I've read about this practice in Japan. One thing about America, our ethnic mix is such that body-types would never fit a "one size fits all" measurement standard. In my family line alone are at least 5 different European nationalities. Having said that, if it's a matter of money, what would work in the U.S. workplace? More on-campus gyms for those with sit-down all day jobs? Paying people [keeping them on the clock] for before work or after work workouts? Taking out the candy vending machines? Taking out the soda machines? I think an individual company's culture must reflect health and wellness before you could expect individual employees to care. And then, how would you get that employee to take that home with them? Leaders much lead by example. Just my opinion. - Linda

I worked at a place that owned a gym in a nearby building, but they wouldn't let me have a pass for my wife. Didn't make much sense to me, but I suppose a lot of people want an excuse to get away from their spouses. "Sorry, can't bring ya! It's the companies rule."

I think it would work out best if the government would stick it to the food industry. Just like cosmetic products aren't approved by the FDA allowing carpet cleaners to be legally passed off as hair products, restaurants are still allowed to sell artery clogging and kidney killing food to customers 7 days a week, doesn't make them an accessory to suicide in the long run? If doctors can't help people kill themselves with timely precision, why can restaurants do it with untimely heart attacks? At least smack a warning label on the burger boxes!

I suppose since larger people generally pass away a little quicker, evolution of cultural traits may naturally select them out, since their teachings of habits will be lesser and lesser.

We'll see in a hundred years or so! I don't know which is more fun, watching the ants progress (or digress) themselves, or putting a hand and watching how ones own hand has helped or not. Well, humans aren't ants, so I'll continue to put my hand and two cents in whenever I can with everyone else and we'll see how it goes together.

David Rader II
http://chexed.com/

I think that the American people need a little help: food can be entertaining for gathering, but we are learning how what natural foods have to offer are perfectly fitting for the needs of our bodies: fiber-wise, nutrient-wise, mineral-wise, etc., providing our bodies with what they need to accomplish the things we love to do - I actually have an idea along these lines if you're interested - I sincerely did not come here to "pitch", but...

Thanks "Trump": everything you and your team does has style & substance - you inspire the rest of us.

Women should have a little extra leeway because of feminine fluctuations in weight.
Japan has universal health coverage and excess weight increases medical expenses, so this may seem like a good move.
Think that it would violate the right to privacy in the US.
Employers might not be fined in the US- but if they offer health insurance, they should pay attention to their employees weight problems. Too many work places encourage workers to sit at their desks all day, bring sugary goodies to work to share, and if they have cafeterias, the food is fattening to cut costs. A smart company should ban cookies and cake at work, have snack bars that offer healthy snacks, encourage employees to get up and walk around frequently and perhaps have gyms on the premises where employees are encouraged to take fitness breaks- particularly staff that sit still all day. While this may seem expensive, group insurance rates should decrease over time, there would be less sick time, and people could continue for more years. Incentives sound like a good idea. Making weight loss easier sounds even better.

Mr. Trump always appears to be fit and highly energetic. I imagine that stamina is a competitive advantage in his work.

The U.S. tax code does provide for businesses to deduct the cost of an onsite employee gym.

Does the Trump organization provide such an amenity for employees?

Does the Trump organization provide a cash incentive for physically fit employees? Or is that only an "interesting idea" for other executives to implement, not for Mr. Trump to implement himself?

Mr. Trump:

I must disagree. Fat people are jolly. As a young woman I was always dieting to look like movie star, believing this would catch my handsome dashing millionaire. I was crabby. This doesn't catch a gas attendant. You do what your body tells you to feel good and do your best, as you can't depend on other people. I'll make my own millions. It will come. Watch me marry a millionaire for it. We always eat our words.

Yes, a reward would be good. That might make the body feel good during a diet. Send a Lamborghini and build me a pretty Country French house. Don't forget the small dog. Okay. I will shut up.

Julie Caulfield
(Just to rattle your cage. I still love you. Sort of.)

Has anyone questioned the population factor versus the supply of food in Japan? A highly populated country (including China, United States, Russia, Canada) requires more food per person than a less populated area such as Alaska or an island in the South Pacific.

When I see the amount of perfectly good food that is thrown into the garbage containers at restaurants,on cruise ships, in hospitals, and school cafeterias I am reminded of my Grandmother's advice on portion control... "Eat what's on your plate and be thankful. There are a lot of people going hungry today who wish they had your leftovers."

Smaller portions vs. Super-size it, helps to keep your stomach from growing over your belt. Think about it!

I live in the US but I personally do not hire fat people. Call it discrimination, but in my country, in France, many jobs involving contacts with clients are not accessible if you are overweight. Rather than discrimination, as it is viewed in the US, it is to respect the sense of aesthetics so important to the French, especially to the wealthy ones. While shapely and round people can be exquisite, there is nothing charming, attractive or exciting about fat people. I am a female entrepreneur and I cannot see myself surrounded by fat assistants!

Insurance companies, hospitals, employers and the government spend millions trying to keep up with the overweight/obese population. We would be a much wealthier nation if we could all pay attention to how much and what we eat.

I am also interested in the answers to the questions posted by Sarvo on 07/16/2008 11:29 AM. I think motivation should include developing a culture that values physical activity and fitness. This benefits the company in many ways beyond just improving the visual landscape. Physical fitness enhances brain function. Physical fitness elevates mood. Physical fitness boosts the immune system. Physical fitness increases stamina and energy level. Physical fitness strengthens bones. Over the long haul, that is going to impact health costs as well. So, if you want happy, healthy, employees, it just makes sense to provide ways to encourage fitness like offering membership to a fitness center, or having your own fitness center, forming company team sports, and fun contests and fundraisers (like walking with sponsorship to raise funds for community causes), I guess if you want to throw money into the pot you can, but there are lots of other motivators that can be applied. In your position, I would think week end getaways to spas and beaches would be great motivators for just about anything: best customer service, highest sales, most pounds converted to muscle, and they would put any empty units you had to work, and provide tax deductions too.