An inquiry into physical activity levels among children and young people in Wales has been launched, with results helping inform and develop the country’s national obesity strategy.

As part of the consultation, a group of 11-16 year-olds will discuss the barriers they face to being more physically active with Dr Dai Lloyd AM, the Welsh Assembly’s health, social care and sport committee chair and Rhun ap Iorwerth AM, a committee member.

The inquiry will look at children and young people’s levels of participation in exercise and sport, alongside the extent to which they do other types of physical activity, such as walking to school.

It will also look at how effective Welsh Government programmes and policies are in promoting exercise and the value for money of the programmes, and whether procedures are making a difference to the physical activity levels of those living in the most deprived areas of Wales.

The Welsh Government has estimated that each year the cost of physical inactivity to Wales is £650m (US$831.7m, €705.2m).

“Keeping active brings long term health benefits, which is why it is so important that children and young people in Wales make it part of their everyday lives, and find a sport or activity they really enjoy,” said Dr Lloyd, who is also a GP.

He added: “As the Welsh Government begins to develop a national obesity strategy, our inquiry will help to inform our contribution to it as we work to ensure that our young people in Wales have the best possible start in life.”