Samurai Diet for Japanese Officials

The mayor of Ise, in Japan, and six of his officials needed to find a way to help lose weight. They came up with the idea to join forces as the "Seven Metabolic Samurai" inspired by Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" movie. Their common goal - a 3 month battle, fighting the "metabolic syndrome" which comprises excess belly fat, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

Unfortunately one of the Samurai died aged just 47 whilst jogging in the park.

Undeterred, the remaining Samurai continued with the plan. At the end of the plan the Mayor had shed 12 pounds and lost 5cm from his waistline. Two of the other Samurai were also successful.

"Metabolic syndrome" is one of the latest catchphrases in Japan, where almost 30 percent of Japanese adult males are overweight, according to a 2005 government survey.