The Weight Fat Checker is actually exactly what its name proclaims it to be: It’s a body fat checker that measures, displays and monitors your weight/fat when you grip the sides of it like a steering wheel. Here’s a thought: Just let me grip your fatty sides and I’ll check your weight/fat for you, for free. [CAG via Kotaku]

Dr. Craig Allen Bittner claimed that his patients actually requested that their fat be used to power his car. You know, for the environment’s sake. But of course, he also recently shut down his practice and moved to South America after becoming the target of a bunch of lawsuits, so he’s not exactly the most trustworthy source in the world.

But powering a car with human fat is in fact possible, although the fat, like animal fat, would need to be treated to remove fatty acids. Lots of companies such as Tyson and Nova Biosource are looking to power their own fleets of vehicles with the animal waste that they produce already.

But really, the main question is this: what did it smell like to drive behind Bittner’s Navigator? I’m not sure I want to know. [Forbes]

The $US30 device slips into a pair of jeans or slacks and does as advertised. It stretches them out to a more pleasing and comfortable size 40, or whatever your waistline might be after a full day of gorging on turkey, potatoes and pie.

The stretcher promises to breath new life into your old wardrobe by adding one to five inches of extra girth. All you have to do is moisten the waistband of your pants, shorts or skirts and insert the stretcher. It’s “easier and more economical than taking tight-waisted clothes to the tailor for alterations,” says the marketing spiel, and who are we to argue?! The sad thing for the heftiest amongst us is the Waistband Stretcher only “rescues” garments with waistbands ranging from 21″ to 45″. But look on the bright side, you 46-inchers—there’s always the muumuu! [Skymall via Random Good Stuff]

New Kitchen Innovations Unveiled: The George Foreman® Lean Mean™ Fryer

George Foreman® Cooks Up Newest “Lean, Mean, Fat-Reducing” Machines

Miramar, FL, October 14, 2008 – Those looking to enjoy their favourite foods without guilt can look to the newest appliances in the George Foreman® family introduced today by Applica, the Florida-based company that markets and distributes the George Foreman branded product line.

Innovative Technology: The George Foreman Lean Mean Fryer

The George Foreman Lean Mean Fryer uses unique, patented Smart Spin™ technology to knock out up to 55 percent of the fat absorbed during frying, delivering crisped, fried foods with less grease. After a conventional deep-frying cooking process, the Lean Mean Fryer enters the second phase of cooking – a “spin cycle” in the cooking basket. The basket is lifted from the cooking oil and Smart Spin technology is engaged, leveraging centrifugal forces to deliver a finished food product that retains up to 55 percent less fat than conventional frying methods*. During the spinning process, the food continues to cook through hot air convection to stay crispy and hot.

Additional Features:

· A viewing window allows consumers to safely check food while it’s cooking without having to stop or open the deep-fryer.

· A variable thermostat dial, dual-speed spinning basket and spinning timer selection allows consumers to customise the cooking process based on the food selection and desired amount of oil removed.

· The Lean Mean Fryer contains a replaceable and washable filter, which reduces the release of oil vapors and odors into the kitchen.

· Other convenience features include a breakaway cord and dishwasher-safe (including the basket, frying bowl and filter) parts for easy cleaning and care.

With a suggested retail price of $149.99, the George Foreman Lean Mean Fryer is widely available at U.S. and Canadian mass merchants, specialty stores and online retailers now.

“With this ever changing economy, George Foreman invites people back into the kitchen with innovative and multipurpose appliances that offer a great value,” said Hidalgo. “From the kitchen novice to the cooking aficionado, George Foreman appliances make cooking healthy, fun and easy.”

Introduced in 1994, the George Foreman grill continues to serve as a kitchen staple for the health and time-conscious at home chef. The appliances knock out up to four times more fat than competitor grills through their patented sloped grill plates. The fat rolls down the slope into the grease tray leaving a leaner, healthier meal that’s full of flavor.

For more information on George Foreman products or to watch the “Knock Out the Fat with George” interactive Web show, please visit www.georgeforemancooking.com.

*Percentage of fat reduction refers only to the percentage of fat absorbed during frying, in comparison to conventional deep fat fryers. This product does not remove the original fat present in food items prior to frying. Results are based on independent laboratory testing, using a two minute spin cycle. Results are not typical and may vary based on food type and brand. Average reduction of absorbed fat of tested food items is 38 percent. Fried foods should be eaten in moderation and only as part of a well-balanced diet. Consult your physician or nutritionist for dietary advice.

Remember the canned cheeseburgers? Now you can make yours even more yummylicious with canned 100% US bacon, cooked and ready to eat. Actually, forget the burger: make your own bacon sandwich using two additional layers of bacon instead of bread. Each can contains all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep a healthy life while pretending to work in front of the computer, and you can even use the remaining fat to polish iPhones and assorted gadgets.

Research conducted with nine patients fitted with the implant revealed that the average caloric intake went down by about 500 calories a day and the average weight loss over nine months was equivalent to 30% of the excess body weight. Those numbers pale in comparison to what gastric bypass can deliver, but the risk involved with the procedure is drastically reduced—so much so that it may be appropriate for individuals who do not fit into the “morbidly obese” category. Testing is expected to continue in the US and Australia with 300 more patients in the coming months. [Technology Review via DVICE]

Not surprisingly to Shimuzu, they have been getting more than their share of complaints from the more hardcore of the Astro Boy fan-base. So, why the added girth? Tezuka Productions Copyright Division head Yoshihiru Shimuzu offers a suggestion, “Once upon a time, Americans never ate raw fish, but now they really want to find a delicious sushi. In the same way, we want the collaboration that led to ‘AvoCali (Astro Boy)’ to take the character worldwide.” Avocali is the nick name for this variant, and it’s a reference to the Avocado California rolls many Americans think is real sushi. So to get this straight, Japan’s Astro Boy was made fat and ugly to better relate to foreign devils? Astro boy was the inspiration for Japan’s Atom project, a US$446 million attempt to recreate the total abilities of a 5-year old in a robot. Is this any way to treat him? [Mainichi]

The whole thing can be done in less than an hour, allowing you to sneak away on your lunch break to get a boost to your breasts. The growth occurs over six months, so it’s not a sudden change like implants. It’s also your own body fat, so you won’t feel like someone stapled a couple of soccer balls to your chest.

The procedure is initially intended for women who’ve had mastectomies, which is great, but it surely won’t be long before this becomes the next Botox. Seriously though… you don’t need it. [BBC]