Posted on 11/06/2007 9:38:32 AM PST by Eric Blair 2084
Santa is being told to shift the pounds before Christmas - because the obese saint is failing to set a "good example" for children.
The traditional children's hero, best known for feasting on mince pies left out on Christmas eve, has always sported a bulging midriff.
But shopping centre bosses are giving the well-wisher his marching orders - to the nearest gym - to tackle the increasing problem of obesity.
The revelation comes after a medical report earlier this month stated that by 2050 more than 50 per cent of Brits will be obese.
Santa has been told he must slim down, or face eviction from shopping centres at Christmas
Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe, Kent, has even gone one step further and set-up a Santa boot camp.
Fiona Campbell-Reilly, spokeswoman at the shopping centre, said: "Santa has been around for years, but society has changed and our Santa needs to reflect this.
"Bluewater's Santa Boot Camp is getting Santa in shape and setting a good example to children who idolise him.
"He will still be the same lovable jolly man, but will be fitter and healthier."
Despite Santa burning 600 calories an hour from delivering presents, the problem lies in the tasty mince pies left as a treat.
If he ate every single mince pie left for him by eager children in the UK he would gain an astonishing 721,000 lbs.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, spokesperson from the British Heart Foundation, said: "The bootcamp would encourage people to get a bit more active - it is a great idea.
"If you are budding santa or a hopeful elf, then we should all be taking steps to being fit and healthier at Christmas.
"Half an hour of exercise, three days a week could make your heart healthier. I think that like most of us, santa could be doing more to make himself that little bit fitter.
"He can have a pie every so often but try to squeeze in a few carrots as well."
ROTFLMAO! Just cracked me up!
I know, but that was the first thing I thought of.
I couldn’t resist! ; )
I hope the former Mrs. Eddie Van Halen does better with jenny craig that Alley. She use to be cute.
He and Rush are my idols.
On the off-chance youve never heard it, check out Eartha Kitts original version.
This is just a liberal do gooder mall owner in the UK so far, but I think that prediction is very prescient.
Is nice!
And coming soon to the U.S. Ya can’t make this stuff up can ‘ya?
This week’s sign of the apocalypse.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7080545.stm
Tim Holland, property manager, said:”There’s nothing wrong with Santa being the size that he is, we just want him to have a modern day makeover to reflect the realistic demands of being the world’s most renowned delivery man.”
*****************************************
Oh Boy, They Are going to Queer-Eye Santa.
Did you see my post about last weeks’ sign of the apocalypse? Comrade Corzine signing a law banning cell phones while driving the same day he passed a law making it illegal for pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for the morning after pill?
ru kidding? That dude’s way obese.
Um, I think shopping malls started here and went there.
Ugh! That’s incredible!
Dennis Prager of Townhall discusses it on his radio show:
Why would a guy who only works two months a year anyway put up with that chit?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.