Evidence that shows we need the sugar tax to fight the obesity epidemic

CObesity is important, but it is difficult to reverse it. Overweight is related to behaviors such as diet and physical activity, which in turn are strongly influenced by our social, environmental and economic conditions, not to mention the interaction between them and our children. genes, our physical health and our mental health.

There is no overriding cause and, by the same token, no miracle solution. This is a multi-faceted problem that requires a multifaceted solution, the evidence of which suggests that a tax on soft drinks should be a key element.

We almost all eat too much sugar and drinks play a vital role, especially in children. Teens consume nearly three times the amount of free sugar recommended – that is, any added sugar, plus sugar in the juice or syrup – of which more than one-fifth comes from non-alcoholic beverages.

And soft drinks do not only lead to weight gain (randomized controlled trials have been conducted in children and adults), they are also badociated with tooth decay, heart disease and high blood pressure. Then there is diabetes, where non-alcoholic beverages account for about 5% of type 2 diabetes cases in the UK, or more than 12,000 per year.

But why target this factor among the many reasons why people are obese? Well, soft drinks are different from most other things we eat or drink – they have no nutritional benefit beyond their calories; the drinks that consumers choose are generally healthier; and from the Treasury's point of view, they can be easily defined.