Nesta calls for all party manifestos to prioritise obesity as a critical responsibility for the First Minister, committing to halve the disparity in healthy life expectancy between Wales’ richest and poorest regions by 2030.

Reducing obesity is urgent and achievable. Our blueprint for halving obesity in the UK shows several feasible and cost-effective routes to realise this goal. Some require deeper pockets, and others greater political will.

Some of the policies can be implemented under devolved powers, while some require governments to work together, and some can be delivered by local authorities. Collaborative working and preventative action is required at all levels if we are to reduce population-wide obesity rates.

To enable the next Welsh Government to reduce obesity rates, Nesta suggests implementing the following high-impact actions:

1. Regulating unhealthy food promotions in the retail sector
   Restrictions on all high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar (HFSS) price promotions in food and retail businesses, including temporary reductions and meal deals. Promotional incentives should be rebalanced to make healthier choices more accessible and affordable.
2. Encouraging healthier choices when eating out Restrictions on all price promotions for food and drinks high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) for large out-of-home businesses such as restaurants and fast food outlets.
3. Making the healthier choice the easier choice for everyone
   Collaborate with UK governments to introduce mandatory reporting and healthy food targets for the UK’s biggest retailers.