Most airlines have an "armrest rule." If the person cannot fit in the seat with both armrests fully down then they should be required to purchase two seats. Furthermore, it's not the flight attendant's job to enforce this. Grpmit is absolutely correct that the issue should have been dealt with bu a ticket or gate agent before the man was even allowed to board the plane. I remember an episode of "Airline" where there was some doubt if a passenger would fit in the seat and be able to lower both armrests. The CSA lead escorted the passenger onto the plane before anyone else boarded and indeed he did fit (barely) and was not required to purchase an additional seat. Also if the flight isn't completely booked and the person of size can be accommodated with an empty seat next to him then the additional seat purchase isn't required either but with capacity cuts and fuller planes this probably isn't an option all of the time.
I mentioned before that it isn't the flight attendant's responsibility. For future reference if one finds themselves seated next to someone who is spilling over into your seat take the following steps. Politely excuse yourself and get up and head towards the rear of the airplane. (Feign needing to use the lav or a glass of water for a motion sickness pill.) Politely ask the flight attendant in the rear galley to summon a gate agent. If they refuse, tell him or her the situation and ask again to see a gate agent about the issue. If they refuse to call an agent then ask if you could go back up the jetway to speak with one. If all else fails then demand to speak with the captain or first officer.
Once your issue is addressed if they won't re-seat you, or the person of size (POS), or don't require the POS to buy a second seat (or there isn't one to sell) then ask if you can be accommodated in another cabin (business and/or first class) or, if you have some flexibility with your travel time, on a later flight.
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