Time to Talk Public Health Wales has found that environmental and social factors are the main barriers preventing people from managing their weight.

The latest survey reveals that a lack of knowledge or skills is not the primary reason.

The survey identified 'too many temptations' as the main obstacle, with 29 per cent of participants choosing this from a list of 11 barriers.

Following this, 19 per cent said they do not have enough time, and 17 per cent said their job prevents them from following through.

Only seven per cent said a lack of cooking skills was a barrier, and just five per cent cited a lack of knowledge.

66 per cent of respondents admitted they are heavier than they would like to be, and 88 per cent of this group said they intend to address the issue.

The findings show the need to make healthier choices more accessible.

They coincide with a 2023 Public Health Wales survey which showed 57 per cent of the public in Wales support government involvement to make food healthier.

Dr Ilona Johnson, consultant in public health at Public Health Wales, said: "These findings are helpful as we can see that many people in Wales recognise they may be above a healthy weight, and are either intending to, or are already, taking action to change this.

"However, people are also highlighting the challenges, saying that it is not about intention or willpower and that our modern-day living environment can make it difficult to reach or be a healthier weight."

Dr Johnson added: "They want to take action on their weight, but they feel their environment is working against them because they are surrounded by high-energy food that is low in nutrients.

"That is why Public Health Wales is supportive of work by the government to shape the food and drink environment towards sustainable and healthier options, such as placement and price promotions on unhealthy foods, to make the healthy choice the easy choice."

The survey also revealed that 27 per cent of people are not in the right frame of mind to take action towards achieving or maintaining a healthy weight, while 20 per cent said their health was a barrier.

11 per cent said they cannot afford healthy food, and nine per cent said a lack of healthy food options in their nearby shops prevents them from initiating change.

In August 2024, the survey included 1,481 participants from a group of about 2,500 people across Wales who regularly take part in the Time to Talk Public Health surveys.