Why it SUCKS being fat in Japan

Summary

This video humorously explores the topic of weight loss, particularly focusing on the challenges of being overweight in Japan. The speaker shares personal experiences of being a 'chunky kid' and contrasts obesity rates in Japan and America. They discuss societal pressures in Japan, where being thin is considered the norm, and how overweight people often face negative attention. The video also highlights strange diet trends, such as using bendy chopsticks and balloon exercises, and mentions changing attitudes toward body size in Japan, exemplified by celebrities like Naomi Watanabe and Matsuko Deluxe.

Takeaways

• 😅 The speaker shares their experience of always being a chunky kid and how they tried different methods to lose weight.
• 📺 The speaker doesn't own a TV and jokes about not having basic furniture but emphasizes the discussion is about weight loss.
• 👟 Novelty weight loss products, like diet slippers and bendy chopsticks, are mentioned for their awkward and humorous weight loss potential.
• 🏊 The speaker recounts joining a swimming club to lose weight but gaining more due to increased hunger after exercising.
• 📊 In Japan, obesity is uncommon, with only 4.3% of the population being obese, compared to 36.2% in the U.S., highlighting cultural differences in diet and lifestyle.
• 🚶 Daily exercise, such as walking and cycling, is a norm in Japan, contributing to a lower obesity rate compared to other countries.
• 🤔 In Japan, being thin is seen as the societal norm, and overweight individuals often face negative attention and casual comments from others.
• 👔 Employers in Japan are partially responsible for employees' health, and companies may pressure overweight employees to lose weight.
• 🌟 Celebrities like Naomi Watanabe and Matsuko Deluxe, who are larger in size, are helping change societal perceptions of weight in Japan.
• 🍏 The script humorously highlights strange Japanese diet trends, such as the apple diet and balloon diet, while reassuring foreigners that they might face less societal pressure in Japan.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing weight loss experiences, cultural perceptions of body weight in Japan, and some unusual weight loss methods.

Why does the speaker not have a TV?

The speaker mentions not having a TV, but does not provide a specific reason. It seems like an incidental detail unrelated to the main topic.

What are 'diet slippers' and how are they supposed to work?

Diet slippers are a weight loss gadget that supposedly helps by making it awkward and uncomfortable to walk, thereby increasing calorie burn.

How do bendy chopsticks help with weight loss?

Bendy chopsticks make it difficult to pick up food, which makes eating frustrating and reduces the overall amount of food consumed.

What personal experience does the speaker share about weight gain?

The speaker shares that as a child, they joined a swimming club to lose weight but ended up gaining weight due to increased appetite from swimming long distances and eating takoyaki afterwards.

What are some reasons why it's difficult to be overweight in Japan?

In Japan, being overweight is rare, with only 4.3% of the population being obese. Cultural expectations of being thin, regular exercise, a diet of low-calorie foods, and social pressures make it difficult for people to be overweight.

How do people in Japan typically react to someone who is overweight?

In Japan, overweight people receive negative attention, including stares from others and comments about their weight, even from friends or co-workers. People may make remarks like 'Hey, you gained weight' as if it's a normal greeting.

What is a mandatory health checkup in Japan, and why is it significant?

A mandatory health checkup is required in Japan from childhood to adulthood. It checks obesity and other health factors. Companies are partially responsible for employees' health, and if someone is obese, they may face pressure from their employer to lose weight.

What are some unusual weight loss methods mentioned in the video?

The speaker mentions the apple diet, where a person can only eat apples for three days, and the balloon diet, where blowing balloons is supposed to help reduce facial fat and tone core muscles.

Is the negative attention towards overweight people in Japan the same for foreigners?

No, the speaker mentions that foreigners are less likely to receive negative attention for being overweight because Japanese people understand that foreigners tend to be larger.