Obesity in Wales is already alarming and one of the highest in the world. Almost 20 percent of 13-year-old children are overweight or obese. Six out of 10 men and five out ten women in Wales are also either overweight or obese.
Unhealthy snacks will be phased out from the hospitals over the next six months. Only University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff will continue selling junk food in vending machines until its five-year contract with a vending machine supplier expires in 2010.
"Diet has an important role to play in the prevention of obesity and chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. The Assembly Government is committed to improving the health of the population of Wales and reducing inequalities by tackling the underlying causes of ill health. We need to create an environment where it is easier for people to make healthy choices and our public sector should be an exemplar of best practice - particularly our hospitals," cites Hart.
The Assembly Government has earlier phased out vending machines in schools and leisure centers. It requires that all food must contain 'clear nutritional benefit' and 'essential nutrients', not just empty calories.
