Senedd committee calls for 'urgent action to tackle obesity'
Senedd research shows 62% of adults in Wales are living overweight or with obesity and around 25% of children are obese by the time they start school.
The Welsh Government 'must demonstrate stronger leadership in driving the changes needed to support those living with overweight or obesity in Wales', according to the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee.
62% of adults in Wales are living with overweight or obesity, with 26% having previously been reported as living with obesity in Wales.
Around 25% of children are living with overweight or obesity by the time they start school.
But, the committee explains if Wales applied the same measurement adjustments used in England and Scotland, the number of adults living with obesity could be as high as 34% - the highest in the UK.
Peter Fox MS, Chair of the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee, said:
“Obesity is recognised as one of the most significant public health challenges, both in the UK and internationally.
!It’s a key risk factor for a wide range of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease including stroke, and some cancers. It also impacts people’s wellbeing, quality of life, and ability to work.
“Prevalence is rising in Wales, as elsewhere, with much higher levels of obesity in the most disadvantaged communities,”
Through the committee's research, they understand obesity costs the NHS an estimated £73 million a year, which is projected to rise to around £465 million by 2050.
"We cannot afford to wait. The Welsh Government must act now"
Peter fox continues: "We cannot afford to wait. The Welsh Government must act now to reduce waiting times for weight management services, ensure consistent provision for children and adults across all health boards, and adopt a whole-system, preventative approach that provides compassionate and dignified support for people throughout their lives.
The Committee heard that, despite the awareness of the Welsh Government’s Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy to prevent and reduce obesity, there is a lack of clarity and direction around who is responsible for its delivery.
The Committee is urging the Welsh Government to show stronger leadership and cross-sector accountability for the strategy and publish regular updates on the progress.
The MAN v FAT Football team in Newport is part of a UK wide network who support men to lose weight, get healthier and enjoy football.
“Since joining the team it’s completely changed my life,” says David Quinn, a member at the Newport group for six years, who now coaches a team in Bridgend.
“I’ve gone from weighing over 200kg, to losing close to 35% of my body weight."
“I’ve gone from almost never leaving the house and weighing over 200kg, to losing close to 35% of my body weight, coming up to 70kg weight lost now. Not only that, since becoming a coach, I’m now able to help other men follow the same journey.”
David was attracted to the scheme because of his love of football and says there is a lack of awareness of services.
“A lot of work could be done to signpost people towards services,” says David. “There are initiatives out there, but they need to promote good habits and make weight loss sustainable. The community is important as well, and it helps so much with mental health which goes hand in hand.”
In response to the committee's findings, the Welsh Government says: “Our new Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales delivery plan 2025-27 published in September, sets out our approach to preventing and reducing obesity over the next two years.
“We are considering the Committee’s report and recommendations and will respond formally in due course.”