Welsh health minister Sarah Murphy has called on healthcare professionals to become 'champions of prevention' and support people to make healthier choices.

Staff have been urged to address the underlying causes of obesity and continue to cut smoking rates.

Speaking at the Welsh Public Health Conference, Murphy highlighted the impact of preventable illnesses on people’s lives; on the NHS and the economy.

Obesity-related illness costs the NHS £365m ever year in Wales and smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. There are around 3,845 deaths and 17,000 hospital admissions each year linked to smoking.

Murphy said: "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."