Portly Politicians Begin Online Slim in Land of the Rising Tum

It isn't often that senior politicians vow to transform themselves into lightweights. But two Japanese health vice-ministers hope to do just that from today with the launch of a weblog documenting their efforts to fight the flab.

Keizo Takemi and Noritoshi Ishida, both 55, have vowed to lose 5kg (11lb) and 6kg respectively over the next six months to encourage others to lead healthier lifestyles, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported yesterday.

The pair will post online updates of their personal battles of the bulge, including their weight and waist measurement, and records of the number of steps they take each day. They have also agreed to post photographs of their bellies to ensure there is no politically motivated massaging of their vital statistics.

Despite their nation's famed longevity and low-fat traditional diet, a record number of Japanese are struggling with their weight. Experts believe an estimated 20 million Japanese have, or are at risk of developing, metabolic syndrome, a series of symptoms that includes high cholesterol and a flabby belly.

The rise in the number of sufferers has been blamed on the spread of western fast food and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. If left unattended, the syndrome can lead to more serious ailments, such as strokes and heart attacks.

Mr Takemi clearly has his work cut out. Weighing 84kg (13st 3lb), he is just 1.66 metres (5ft 5in) tall and has a 100.5cm (39½in) waist. He put his "stocky" appearance down to his days as a rugby player, but admitted putting on about 20kg since his youth.

The politician agreed that he had taken a huge gamble by publicly vowing to lose weight. "Considering my position as vice minister of health, I felt I had to do something about it," he said. "I can't run or hide any more."

He may also come to regret agreeing to disclose his alcohol intake just as Japan enters its boozy end-of-year party season.