Britain needs action on obesity, but the evidence for a sugar tax is thin

Scientific advisors to the Government have signalled a war on sugar with draft recommendations which suggest adults should half their sugar intake. But Professor Richard Tiffin, of the University of Reading, claims changing behaviour will be a long and difficult road:

“Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has already ruled out a sugar tax, angering some doctors who suggest sugar is a greater threat to public health than smoking. But the evidence is on Mr Hunt’s side. Study after study has shown that even high price increases on sugary foods would not lead to meaningful behaviour change among most of Britain’s sugar junkies. It would certainly push up household bills, particularly for those that can least afford it. Meanwhile, subsidising fruit and veg is great news for middle-class people who already eat healthily. But they are the last group in need of the handout.”

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