Ebbw Vale launches campaign to ban junk‑food ads amid obesity crisis

Ebbw Vale council and activists have launched a campaign to curb junk‑food consumption, including a proposal to ban junk‑food ads. ^[1]

The effort matters because the town records the highest adult obesity rate in Wales, with 33 percent of residents classified as obese and almost 80 percent listed as overweight or obese, creating a critical public‑health challenge. ^{[2] [3]}

The proposal, outlined at a recent council meeting, calls for a ban on junk‑food advertising within the town’s boundaries and for local retailers to promote healthier options, a move championed by greengrocer Stuart Lewis, who said the community must "offer better choices at the point of purchase." The plan also includes nutrition workshops in schools and free fruit stations in public spaces. ^[1]

Data on the town’s weight status vary by source. Yahoo, citing the National Survey for Wales, reports a 33 percent obesity rate and notes Flint Wrecsam as second with 30 percent obesity. ^[2] MSN describes Ebbw Vale as "Britain's fattest town" with almost 80 percent of adults overweight or obese, a broader figure that includes those not yet classified as obese. ^[3] The campaign’s leaders said the discrepancy exists and said both numbers signal an urgent need for action.

The National Survey for Wales, released in May 2025, highlighted the town’s alarming figures and prompted local officials to prioritize nutrition policy. ^[2] Council members said the survey’s findings will guide the upcoming vote on the advertising ban, slated for the autumn session.

Public response has been mixed. Some residents welcome stricter controls, hoping to reduce childhood obesity, while others worry about restrictions on personal choice. The council plans to hold a town hall in June to gather further input before finalizing the measures. ^[1]