AN INQUIRY into work encouraging young people in Wales to be more physically active has been launched.

The study by the Welsh Assembly's Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will look into participation in sport by children and young people, as well as how often they take part in other physical activities such as walking to school.

It will also look into the effectiveness of Welsh Government programmes and policies in promoting physical activity amongst children and young people, as well as the value for money of these schemes, along with what may be stopping youngsters from being physically active.

Other factors to be looked at include whether information on activity levels among young people is accurate and whether policies by the Welsh Government are making a difference to levels of physical activity among youngsters in some of the more deprived areas of Wales.

The inquiry is being launched at the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey today, Tuesday, where the committee's chairman Dai Lloyd will meet with a group of young people aged between 11 and 16 to talk about the issue.

AMs and young people will also have the opportunity to pedal 1km on an exercise bike, after which Dr Lloyd, who represents South Wales West in the Assembly and also practices part-time as a GP, will take their blood pressure.

The Plaid Cymru AM said: "Keeping active brings long term health benefits, which is why it is so important that children and young people in Wales make it part of their everyday lives, and find a sport or activity they really enjoy.

"Active children and young people are more likely to stay active and be healthier as they grow up, helping to reduce future pressures on the NHS in Wales."

He added Welsh Government estimates suggest physical inactivity costs taxpayers in Wales £650 million a year.

"We want to look at how well the Welsh Government’s efforts to increase physical activity are working, and whether or not girls have fewer opportunities and different attitudes to boys when it comes to being active," he said.

"More than a quarter of reception-age children in Wales are overweight or obese.

"We also know that these children are significantly more likely than the Welsh average to be obese, if they live in areas of higher deprivation.

"As the Welsh Government begins to develop a national obesity strategy, our inquiry will help to inform our contribution to it as we work to ensure that our young people in Wales have the best possible start in life."

To take part in the inquiry call 0300 200 6291, email SeneddHealth@assembly.wales or visit assembly.wales/en/bus-home/committees/Pages/Committee-Profile.aspx?cid=448 before Friday, September 15.