Japan and obesity

Using a system of punitive measures and state mandated counseling for overweight individuals, atheistic Japan has lowered its obesity rate to 3.5%.[1][2][3] As a means of comparison, according to the CIA World Factbook, in 2008 theistic Ethiopia and Bangladesh had an obesity rate of 1.1%.[4]

## Contents

* 1 Sumo wrestling
* 2 Atheism, obesity and some other geographic regions
* 3 See also
* 4 Notes

## Sumo wrestling[edit]

Sumo wrestling ceremony in Japan

Sumo is a traditional Japanese style of wrestling that has existed in Japan for over 2,000 years.[5] As a professional sport, sumo wrestling does not exist outside of Japan. Because of its long history in Japan, sumo wrestling is often referred to as Japan's national sport.[6] It is not officially Japan's national sport, however.[7] The cultural research of Helen Gremillion of Indiana University in Bloomington indicates that sumo wrestlers are a reflection of Japanese ideals in terms of tradition.[8]

Sumo wrestlers are usually very large, appearing overweight to the point of obesity. They train to gain weight.[9] Sumo wrestlers eat large amounts of food each day and drink large amounts of beer with their meals.[10][11]

On September 27, 2008, Japan Today declared:

“  |  Not only is the life expectancy of sumo wrestlers 10 years less than the average population, they also suffer higher incidences of kidney and liver problems. Wrestlers are also subject to hormonal imbalances, signaled by serious weight problems and voice changes. While much of this may be the result of the unusual diet and harsh training, many of the same symptoms are also present in steroid abusers.[12] |  ”

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## Atheism, obesity and some other geographic regions[edit]

* China and obesity

* Secular Europe and obesity

* United Kingdom and obesity

## See also[edit]

* Atheism and obesity

* Atheism and health

## Notes[edit]

1. ↑ Japan Has Cut Obesity to 3.5% in a Controversial Way That Wouldn't Fly in America
2. ↑ Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)
3. ↑ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live, Washington Post By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013
4. ↑ CIA World Factbook \- obesity rates by country
5. ↑ Sumo wrestling at Japan.org
6. ↑ Sumo wrestling at Japan.org
7. ↑ Sumo wrestling at Japan.org
8. ↑ Sumo Wrestlers Compared to Bodybuilder by Matthew Lee
9. ↑ What you can learn from a Sumo Wrestlers Diet - video, Alpha Labs Direct
10. ↑ How to eat like a sumo wrestler
11. ↑ What you can learn from a Sumo Wrestlers Diet - video, Alpha Labs Direct
12. ↑ Sumo shows its hypocrisy