A New Form of Public Humiliation

I often pass by one of the multitudes of scales on the streets of Torino and wonder why they are there. I mean, why would anyone possibly want to pay one euro to endure the painful process of weighing themselves in the middle of the sidewalk for all to see?? Maybe it’s just me, but even in my skinnier days I wouldn’t be caught dead doing that. I’ve never seen anyone actually using the scales, but I know they must be used, because they are everywhere. I’ve seen them in other parts of Italy as well, so it’s not just a local phenomenon. If you have any insights to this puzzle, feel free to let me in on the secret.