Health chiefs are trying to stop a new takeaway from opening in the UK's fattest town.
Nearly 80 per cent of the residents of Ebbw Vale in South Wales are classed as overweight from living on high-calorie takeaway food, a report discovered earlier this year.
Some 73 per cent of the resturants in the town are takeaways, with some locals known for eating fast food three times a day.
The new takeaway will join 15 kebab shops already in the town, which is home to only one green grocer.
Women living in the local county have the lowest life expectancy in all of the UK, with men having the lowest in Wales.
Statistics from the Welsh Government show that at least 78 per cent of all people in the county are overweight, and 37 per cent of those are obese.
Health board officials have stepped in after plans emerged to turn the former Beautilounge salon into a "takeaway and drinking establishment".
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has opposed the plan as well as Blaenau Gwent Food Partnership, which promotes healthy eating in the Valleys.
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There are over a dozen kebab shops in the area
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A report to planners said: "The health board have objected on the grounds that increased access to unhealthy food retail outlets can be associated with increased weight in the general population and increased living with overweight or obesity and unhealthy eating behaviours among children living in low-income areas.
"They advise that the location of this site is not appropriate due to the proliferation or concentration of existing hot food takeaways or restaurants selling food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar."
The planning report will be put before councillors later this week, with plans saying there is no precedent of turning it down on health grounds.
It warns it may be powerless as there are no policies that "restrict the provision of fast-food takeaways".
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson said "there's nothing wrong with health professionals giving health advice but people should be allowed to make a choice about what they eat".
He told GB News: "If people want to eat junk food, then that's their business.
"Personally, I'd like to see more food and dietary education in our schools.
"Giving people the facts is the best way forward because you can stop as many takeaways as you want, but people will always find a way to get their junk food fix."
Lee Anderson said he would 'like to see more food and dietary education in our schools'
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Blaenau Gwent planners said: "Whilst their concerns are noted, the previous uses as a beauty salon and retail store have been marketed with very little interest.
"The proposed use is considered acceptable in this instance and results in the occupation of an otherwise vacant unit."
The building has been empty since the beauty salon closed in January and has been on the market since then, with just five viewings during that time.
Planners say there is only one other takeaway in this specific part of Ebbw Vale and will recommend that councillors approve the scheme.