10. Short Debate: Is obesity a disease?

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:50 pm on 4 March 2020.

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Photo of Lee Waters Lee Waters Labour 6:50, 4 March 2020

Absolutely. Many people have told the Welsh Government about the daily stigma they have faced, which can be a prohibitive factor for them to make positive change, or patients being fearful of discussing their weight with a healthcare professional, as Jenny Rathbone has said. We will ensure that there is increased compassionate care within the NHS and that services are supportive and enabling. We know that having a consistent NHS response through the obesity pathway will help to play a significant contributory factor in this. However, what we cannot do is detract from the societal issues that we face to ensure that this is not an issue that defines the health of our population into the future. At this moment in time, we do not believe that treating obesity as a disease would help to change the momentum or the delivery that we will be taking forward through our ambitious approach through 'Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales'. Diolch yn fawr.