In the most modern and possibly most bizarre move of the global fight against obesity, Santas in English malls are now encouraged to drop weight before Christmas of 2007.

Reports said that the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe, Kent has set up a Santa Boot Camp to slim down Mr. Santa and be a good model to children who adore him.

The disclosure comes after a medical report earlier November showed that more than 50 percent of British people will be obese by 2050, a figure which signaled alarm bells throughout the nation.

Spokeswoman for Bluewater, Fiona Campbell-Reilly said: "Santa has been around for years, but society has changed and our Santa needs to reflect this."

She assured that Santa will be the same congenial jolly man, but with a bit of positive transformation in terms of his fitness and health.