The vast majority people in Wales believe the NHS should insist that overweight patients try to lose weight before having a non-urgent operation.
That is already the policy at Cardiff and Vale Health Board but a new poll for BBC Wales' Live Longer Wales series reveals that 82% of people believe health boards across Wales should adopt the policy.
Some 66% agreed the NHS spends too much treating conditions that result from poor diet and a lack of exercise.
But 73% did not want the government telling people what they should eat.
The poll of 502 people marks the start of a new season of documentaries on BBC Wales, designed to encourage people to think about living a healthier lifestyle.
Nick Palit reports.
That is already the policy at Cardiff and Vale Health Board but a new poll for BBC Wales' Live Longer Wales series reveals that 82% of people believe health boards across Wales should adopt the policy.
Some 66% agreed the NHS spends too much treating conditions that result from poor diet and a lack of exercise.
But 73% did not want the government telling people what they should eat.
The poll of 502 people marks the start of a new season of documentaries on BBC Wales, designed to encourage people to think about living a healthier lifestyle.
Nick Palit reports.
