Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created camera-equipped goggles to magnify the size of a cookie in a dieter’s hand, making the snack (not the hand) appear larger than it actually is. In experiments, volunteers consumed nearly 10 percent less when such snacks appeared 50 percent bigger.
Concerned about rising rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, Japanese lawmakers recently set a maximum waistline size for anyone age 40 and older (33.5 inches for men, 35.4 for women). An estimated 56 million Japanese will have their waists measured at their annual check-up exams. Anyone who fails to meet the waistline requirement must undergo counseling.