Obesity in Wales ‘at crisis point’ as services face five-year waits
Support for people living with obesity in Wales must be strengthened, according to a new report from the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee.
The Committee found that 62% of adults in Wales are living with overweight or obesity, with 26% previously reported as obese. Around 25% of children are overweight or obese by the time they start school.
If the same data adjustments used in England and Scotland were applied, the figure for adults living with obesity in Wales could be as high as 34% – the highest in the UK.
Peter Fox MS, Chair of the 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 and some cancers.
“The cost to the NHS has previously been estimated as £73 million a year, and this is projected to rise to around £465 million by 2050. 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’s report found that the Welsh Government’s Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy lacks clear leadership and accountability. It warns that some adults are waiting up to five years for weight management services, while in parts of Wales there is no provision at all for children and young people.
Members called on ministers to provide stronger leadership and publish regular updates on progress, ensuring the strategy delivers the change it promised.
The report also highlights the success of community-led initiatives such as MAN v FAT Football, a scheme helping men lose weight and improve mental health.
David Quinn, who joined the Newport group six years ago and now coaches a team in Bridgend, said: “Since joining the team it’s completely changed my life. I’ve gone from almost never leaving the house and weighing over 200kg, to losing close to 70kg. Not only that, since becoming a coach, I’m now able to help other men follow the same journey.”
David said awareness of services is still low: “A lot of work could be done to signpost people towards services. 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.”
The Committee also raised concerns about stigma in healthcare settings, which can discourage people from seeking help. It is calling for compulsory stigma training across all health boards to ensure compassionate and non-judgemental care.
Other key recommendations include:
- Reducing waiting times for adult and child weight management services.
- Ensuring consistent service provision across all health boards.
- Combining physical, mental and emotional support in weight management.
- Ensuring medical interventions are paired with ongoing lifestyle guidance.
- Improving data accuracy to reflect true obesity levels in Wales.
- The report has been sent to the Welsh Government for a formal response, and a Senedd debate will be scheduled in due course.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
