Physical inactivity is considered to be the fourth leading risk factor for mortality. The Welsh Government has previously estimated the cost of physical inactivity to Wales as being £650 million per year. We know that active children are more likely to become active adults and we also know the importance of physical activity in tackling obesity.

Within this context the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is calling for evidence about:

• What do we know about physical activity levels in children in Wales? How robust is the data on this issue?
• Differences in gender-based attitudes towards, and opportunities for, participation in physical activity in Wales.
• The extent to which Welsh Government policies are aimed at whole populations and/or particular groups, and what impact that approach has on addressing health inequalities.
• Barriers to increasing the levels of physical activity among children in Wales, and examples of good practice in achieving increases in physical activity, and in engagement with hard to reach groups, within Wales, the UK and internationally.
• Physical activity guidelines and how we benchmark physical fitness in children.
• Measurement, evaluation and effectiveness of the Welsh Government’s programmes and schemes aimed at promoting physical activity of children.
• Value for money of Welsh Government spending to promote exercise in children.
• The role of schools, parents and peers in encouraging physical activity, and the role of Sport Wales, NHS Wales and Public Health Wales in improving levels of physical activity.

Following its recent scrutiny of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee anticipates that this inquiry will help inform its contribution to the development of the national obesity strategy required by that legislation. This inquiry will also take into account the recommendations of the recently published report of the independent panel review of Sport Wales.

Evidence sessions