As Judith Shulevitz reports in her latest Phenomenology column in The New Republic, our intense focus on weight loss often overlooks the importance of treating the chronic disease of obesity. Americans usually try to lose weight by exercising, dieting, popping pills, or even turning to surgery. But here are five much weirder ways that countries around the world try to combat obesity—including one far-out method made by a U.S. company.

1. Japan: Mandating maximum waistlines

Japan has turned to legal tactics to maintain the country’s relatively low obesity rate of 3.5 percent. The "metabo law" of 2008 mandates a maximum waistline for adults of 35.4 inches for women and 33.5 inches for men aged 40-74. Those whose waistlines stray outside the law are required to attend counseling and support sessions, and local governments and companies that don't meet specific targets are fined.

2. Dubai: Paying people to lose weight