The Welsh Conservatives intend to support all the amendments in this section as we’ve been most concerned that the proposed public health Bill had done so little to tackle the issue of obesity. In debate after questions after statement, concerns are raised from all parties over the prevalence of obesity in Wales and the corresponding pressures that illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, which are exacerbated by or caused by obesity, will have on the individual and the NHS. The economic and human cost of obesity cannot be understated. Being overweight or obese can lead to both chronic and severe medical conditions. Over the next 20 years, rising levels of obesity could lead to an additional 230,000 cases of type 2 diabetes, an additional 80,000 cases of coronary heart disease, and over 32,000 cases of cancer.

Over £1 million a week is spent by the Welsh NHS on treating obesity, and it is predicted that by 2050 as many as 60 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women could be obese. With rates of being overweight and obesity continuing to rise, by 2050 this will cost the NHS in Wales £465 million per year, with a cost to society and to the general economy of some £2.4 billion. There are no indications that obesity levels are currently declining, therefore we believe that it is vital that the Welsh Government develop a cross-portfolio solution to tackle this growing challenge.

Although this lead amendment, for which we are most grateful to Plaid Cymru, is a step in the right direction, there are concerns that there’s not the evidence base to underpin a meaningful and effective strategy in Wales. Therefore, the Welsh Conservatives believe it is critical that the Minister should consult and engage widely across the public sector in Wales to ensure that all organisations are working collaboratively together to deliver these objectives. This way, duplication can be reduced, localised challenges can be targeted, and we can begin to develop a more detailed understanding of the complexities surrounding obesity levels and what can be done to reduce them.