Sugar tax could reduce obesity in North West
Cancer Research UK is calling on the government to reduce sugar tax after a new report shows high levels of obesity across the UK.
The figures are particularly alarming for the North West, with the study deeming six in ten adults and a fifth of all children in year six of primary school as overweight or obese.
The report predicts a 20% cut sugary drinks tax could prevent 3.7 million cases of obesity in the UK by 2025.
In addition to an introduction of sugar tax, Cancer Research UK is suggesting other measures to help reduce obesity, including a ban on junk food adverts on TV before the 9pm watershed.
Alison Barbuti, the charity’s spokesperson for the North West, says that this could help parents.
She said: “We’re all bombarded by junk food advertising of cheap foods packed with extra calories and it can be tough for parents to do what’s best for their children.
The government has a chance to help reduce the amount of sugar consumed by adults and children and to give future generations the best chance of a healthier life.”
A recent YouGov survey in the North West shows that 47%of people in the area would support a tax on sugary drinks and 71% would back a ban on junk food TV advertisements before 9pm.
By Kal Sajad