Statement: Obesity is a complex health and well-being issue which the health and social care sector cannot tackle alone and these new figures are worrying.

Obesity is a complex health and well-being issue which the health and social care sector cannot tackle alone and these new figures are worrying. 

We need a whole-society, preventative approach and to better use the Well-being of Future Generations Act to keep people well, support people to lead healthy lives, with all sectors working together to take pressure off the NHS.  

Involving our public services and our communities is crucial as we consider the different and damaging impacts of obesity and improve outcomes, including for our children and older people and those who are most vulnerable.  

We won’t be able to tackle Wales’ rising obesity rates without a national food strategy for Wales based on preventing ill health and poverty, and enabling affordable access for everyone, to good, local food that doesn’t cost the earth.