The announcement was made at the Sport Wales Conference on 1 October, signalling a commitment to sharing expertise to combat the ever prevailing obesity and physical inactivity dilemma.

At present, it is estimated that 58% of the adult population in Wales is now overweight or obese and this agreement, the first of its kind in the world, seeks to address this problem head-on through government policy. The MOU is sets out 6 areas of cooperation as follows:

• Working together to support the people of Wales to enjoy more active, more equal and healthy lives
• Working to encourage people to look after their own health and thereby take care of the health of future generations
• Working to foster a co-productive relationship with the people of Wales
• Working together to support the drive for a mass shift in the public thinking about their health
• Exchanging information of mutual interest
• Seeking to develop joint areas of work that promote 'sport for all' and encourage participation across the life span.

Helen Birtwhistle, the director of the Welsh NHS Confederation said: "Health cannot be seen as a standalone issue and these strong links with our colleagues in sport are vital in addressing the challenges that we face… Collaborative working is key if we are to drive a mass shift in public thinking and support people to make healthier choices."

Speaking on the agreement, Welsh Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford added: 'If a medicine existed which had a similar effect to exercise it would be regarded as a wonder drug. Being active or taking part in a sport keeps you healthy and makes a huge contribution to your general wellbeing.'