A few points about the article...
1. The standard of 33.5 inches for Japan is taken from the 'at risk' threshold for diabetes among Japanese men. The comparable at risk threshold among Americans is a whopping 40 inches. This supposedly allows for genetic differences. In any event, it is rather arbitrary and I agree that a better measure could be instituded...BUT this is one simple measurement. It's very straightforward and easy to understand.
2. I absolutely love the song.
“Goodbye, metabolic. Let’s get our checkups together. Go! Go! Go!
Goodbye, metabolic. Don’t wait till you get sick. No! No! No!”
I can just see the South Park kids singing this.
3. I agree with a point in the article that says this is simply a way for the government to pass of the rising costs of healthcare to employers. It would be deemed an outrage to impose this on individuals. This way the government doesn't single out individuals, still gets is money, and puts the education and enforcement onus on companies.