Welsh Government urged to act now over alarming obesity rates

THE Welsh Government has been urged to act now to address Wales' growing obesity crisis.

- ELLIE GOSLEY Reporter [e-mail]

A new report published by a Senedd committee warns urgent action is needed by the government to drive changes needed to support those who are overweight or living with obesity in Wales.

According to the report, 62% of adults in Wales are living with overweight or obesity, with 26% having previously been reported as obese in Wales. Around 25% of children are living with overweight or obesity by the time they start school. It is estimated that obesity could cost the NHS almost half a billion pounds in Wales if the situation does not change by 2050.

Levels of obesity could also be even greater than official statistics show due to self-reporting, which may underestimate the obesity rate. It's thought the actual adult obesity rate could be as high as 34% - the highest in the UK.

Chairman of the committee Peter Fox MS said obesity is "one of the most significant public health challenges" in Wales due to it being a key risk factor for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease including stroke, and some cancers.