National Assembly Committee begins inquiry into childhood obesity in Wales

22 March 2013

A National Assembly for Wales Committee is undertaking an inquiry examining the issues surrounding childhood obesity in Wales.

The Children and Young People Committee will be examining factors such as social background and geographical location and the impact they may have on childhood obesity rates.

It will also look at the effectiveness of Welsh Government initiatives on the subject including such programmes as Change4Life and Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do It! (MEND).

According to the 2011 Welsh Health Survey, 35 per cent of children aged 2-15 were classified as overweight or obese, with 19 per cent classed as obese.

“Childhood obesity is a serious problem which, if not addressed early on, can cause complications later in adult life,” said Christine Chapman AM, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee.

“It can increase the risk of a wide range of chronic conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

“The Committee will be examining the extent factors such as geographical location and socio-economic issues have in contributing to obesity and how effective the Welsh Government has been in tackling the problem.

“Ensuring Wales has a healthy, productive population is a priority for us all, so I would urge anyone with opinions or ideas related to this issue to contribute to our inquiry.”

Anyone wishing to contribute evidence to the inquiry into childhood obesity can either email CYPCommittee@wales.gov.uk, or write to:

Committee Clerk

Children and Young People Committee

National Assembly for Wales

Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA.

Submissions should arrive by Friday 3 May 2013. It may not be possible to take into account responses received after this date.