According to the Welsh government's findings, just 29 per cent of adults are taking the recommended 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise five times per week, demonstrating a major shortfall in physical activity.
Similarly, a third of Welsh residents consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables each day, despite the benefits of a healthy diet.
Although there has been a slight decline in smoking rates, 23 per cent of adults admit to lighting up cigarettes regularly, with 43 per cent of people drinking above national guidelines at least once during the week.
The data pointed to major weight management and exercise issues among Wales' younger generation, with 35 per cent of children estimated to be overweight, including 19 per cent termed as obese.
Although boys were slightly more inclined to be obese, they were more likely to undertake at least an hour of exercise five or more times per week than girls.
A breakdown of the figures revealed that between the ages of 13 and 15, just a third of girls are partaking in physical activity five times a week, compared to 51 per cent of boys.
While younger boys and girls tend to exercise at relatively the same rate, the gap widens as they get older, with females inclined to throw in the towel.
Principal health promotion specialist with Public Health Wales, Malcolm Ward, suggested girls need active female role models to set a good example.
He told Walesonline.co.uk: "The numbers of girls undertaking exercise decrease as they reach their teenage years.
"We know that young women are positively influenced when female family members or friends are active - there is a much stronger likelihood that this will encourage a girl or young woman to remain active."
