Environmental and social factors are the main barriers stopping people from taking action on their weight, rather than a lack of knowledge or skills, according to the latest Time to Talk Public Health survey. 

‘Too many temptations’ was identified as the biggest barrier stopping people from taking action to maintain a healthy weight. 

Twenty-nine per cent chose ‘temptations’ from a list of 11 barriers to action, more than any other option.  Nineteen per cent said they don’t have enough time, and 17 per cent said their job stops them from taking action. 

Just seven per cent said a lack of cooking skills, and only five per cent said insufficient knowledge were barriers.

Sixty-six per cent of respondents said they are heavier than they want to be.  Eighty-eight per cent of these people said they intend to take action on their weight.

The findings highlight the need to make it easier for people to make healthy choices.  They follow a 2023 Public Health Wales survey which showed strong public support in Wales (57 per cent) for government action to make the food we buy healthier.