Speaking at the Welsh Public Health Conference, in Cardiff, Murphy called on healthcare professionals to become ‘champions of prevention' to support people to make healthier choices and to address the underlying causes of obesity and continue to cut smoking rates in Wales.

She highlighted the impact of preventable illnesses on people's lives; on the NHS and the economy. Smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable death, with around 3,845 deaths and 17,000 hospital admissions every year.

Murphy said: ‘Whilst there is a place for weight loss jabs for some people as part of their weight management, they are not the solution for everyone.

‘We must intervene earlier to address the underlying causes. That is why our focus is on a whole system approach to address obesity's complex roots.'

She added: ‘Transforming health outcomes for the people of Wales cannot be achieved by government alone. We need people to become champions of prevention in everything they do.

‘Prevention has the power to radically improve both public health and the economy. Every pound invested in early intervention can yield returns of up to £13 in reduced later costs.

‘Together, we are building a Wales where everyone can thrive, where prevention is woven into every policy decision we make. The future of Welsh health depends on the actions we take today.'