Prevention of ill health - obesity

The Health and Social Care Committee is holding an inquiry into the prevention of ill health – obesity.

 

Background

Obesity is recognised as one of the most significant public health challenges, both in the UK and internationally. Prevalence is rising in Wales (as elsewhere), with much higher levels of obesity in the most disadvantaged communities.

 

Obesity is a key risk factor for a wide range of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (including stroke), and some cancers. It also impacts people’s wellbeing, quality of life, and ability to work.

 

Public Health Wales has previously estimated the cost of obesity to the NHS in Wales as £73m. By 2050, this is estimated to rise to £465m. The broader cost to society and the economy in Wales by 2050 is estimated at £2.4bn.  

 

The promotion of healthy lifestyles and prevention is one of the priority issues identified in the Committee’s strategy for the Sixth Senedd. As such, the Committee would welcome your views on the following terms of reference;

 

The effectiveness of Welsh Government strategy, regulations, and associated actions to prevent and reduce obesity in Wales, including consideration of:

 

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>>>gaps/areas for improvement in existing policy and the current regulatory framework (including in relation to food/nutrition and physical activity);

>>>the impact of social and commercial determinants on obesity;

>>>interventions in pregnancy and early childhood to promote good nutrition and prevent obesity;

>>>the stigma and discrimination experienced by people who are overweight/obese;

>>>people’s ability to access appropriate support and treatment services for obesity;

>>>the relationship between obesity and mental health;

>>>international examples of success (including potential applicability to the Welsh context).

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Evidence gathering

We want to make sure that our work is informed by experiences, needs, and views that reflect the diversity of the people and communities affected by these issues.

 

We encourage anyone with expertise or experience of these issues to share your views, with the full knowledge that your views will be welcomed and valued.

 

The closing date for submissions is 7 June 2024.

 

Along with your submission, you should provide the following information:

 

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>>>Your name and contact details as the person, or organisation, submitting the evidence.

>>>Whether your evidence is submitted as an individual, or on behalf of an organisation.

>>>If you are submitting evidence as an individual, confirmation that you are over 18 years old.

>>>If you are under 13 years old, your parent or guardian’s agreement that you can participate (this can be provided via email).

>>>Confirmation of whether you would prefer that your name is not published alongside your evidence (names of individuals under 18 years old will not be published).

>>>Confirmation of whether you would like the Committee to treat any or all of your written evidence as confidential, with reasons for the request.

>>>If you have referred to a third party in your evidence, such as a parent, spouse or relative, confirmation that they have agreed that you can share information that may be used to identify them and that they understand that it will be published.

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How to share your views

To share your views electronically, please send to SeneddHealth@senedd.wales, or by post to:

 

Health and Social Care Committee,
Welsh Parliament,
Cardiff,
CF99 1SN.

 

Providing Written Evidence

The Senedd has two official languages, Welsh and English.

 

In line with the Senedd’s Official Languages Scheme, the Committee welcomes contributions in both or either of our official languages, and we ask organisations that are subject to Welsh Language standards or schemes to respond in line with their own obligations. Please inform the Committee when submitting responses if you intend to provide a translation at a later date.

 

Please see guidance for those providing evidence for committees.

 

Disclosure of information

Please ensure that you have considered the Senedd’s policy on disclosure of information before submitting information to the Committee.