Welsh government urged to take immediate action over alarming obesity rates

The Welsh Government has been told it must act urgently to tackle Wales’ growing obesity crisis, as new figures reveal that a quarter of children are living with overweight or obesity by the time they start school.

A report published by a Senedd committee warns that immediate and decisive measures are needed to support people living with overweight or obesity and to reverse rising trends across the nation.

According to the findings, sixty-two per cent of adults in Wales are living with overweight or obesity, with twenty-six per cent classified as obese. Around twenty-five per cent of children are affected by the time they begin school.

Experts warn that if current trends continue, obesity could cost the NHS in Wales nearly half a billion pounds by 2050. The true scale of the problem may be even higher than official statistics suggest, as self-reported data often underestimates obesity levels. Some estimates suggest that the actual adult obesity rate could be as high as thirty-four per cent which is the highest in the UK.

Peter Fox MS, Chair of the Senedd committee, described obesity as “one of the most significant public health challenges” facing Wales. He said it was a key risk factor for a number of chronic conditions, including type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and some cancers.

“Prevalence is rising in Wales, as elsewhere, with much higher levels of obesity in the most disadvantaged communities,” he said. “Without urgent action, we risk failing a generation and placing even greater pressure on our health services.”

Public Health Wales has previously estimated that obesity costs the NHS around £73 million annually. By 2050, this figure is expected to rise to £465 million, with the wider cost to society and the economy in Wales projected at £2.4 billion.

The committee stated, “We cannot afford to wait,” and called on the Welsh Government 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 offers compassionate and dignified support throughout people’s lives.

The report criticised the government’s long-term strategy, Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales, saying there was “little evidence” that it was having a meaningful impact. It also raised concerns about the growing use of weight-loss medications, warning they are not a sustainable long-term solution.

“When used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity, these medications may be beneficial for some,” the report said. “However, we are concerned that individuals may use them without appropriate support, without understanding potential side effects, and without making the lifestyle changes required for lasting results.”

The committee cautioned that the high cost of such drugs would make it unsustainable for the NHS to provide them at scale. It also highlighted how stigma and long waiting times often prevent people from accessing vital support.

Recommendations include expanding weight management services, embedding non-judgemental care across the healthcare system, integrating physical, mental and emotional support and providing stigma-awareness training to healthcare professionals.

The report also recognised the role of community-led initiatives in improving health and wellbeing. One such example is the MAN v FAT Football programme in Newport, part of a UK-wide network that helps men lose weight, get fitter and enjoy football.

David Quinn, who has been part of the Newport group for six years and now coaches in Bridgend, said the scheme transformed his life. “I’ve gone from almost never leaving the house and weighing over 200 kilograms, to losing close to thirty-five per cent of my body weight, nearly seventy kilograms in total,” he said. “Now, as a coach, I can help other men on the same journey.”

He added that better awareness of available services is needed: “A lot of work could be done to signpost people towards support. There are good initiatives out there, but they need to promote sustainable habits. The community aspect is vital too, it makes a huge difference to mental health, which goes hand in hand with physical wellbeing.”