LONDON (UPI) -- A shopping center in Britain has instituted a Santa Claus Boot Camp to press the importance of getting in shape over the holiday season.
The decision was made after a report was released in early November that said by 2050 more than 50 percent of British people will be obese, The Daily Mail reported Monday.
Fiona Campbell-Reilly, spokeswoman at the Bluewater shopping center in Greenhithe, Kent, 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 idolize him," she added. "He will still be the same lovable jolly man, but will be fitter and healthier."
Full Version: Santa slims down for the holidays
aww.. that sucks, who wants a skinny santa!
i have to find pics of Father Christmas as that is what I called Santa when I was little over in England he was skinny and not fat
us american kids loved of fluffy santa!! 
yep you did but remember I was there during the war and we were rationed but come to think of it I think he has always been thin...
I guess they'll have to change the song. 