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The study found that there may have been 5,000 fewer cases of obesity among Year 6 girls in each year since the ‘sugary drinks tax’ came into force in 2018. The levy was introduced in 2016 to encourage drinks manufacturers to reduce the amount of sugar in their products.  

A spokesperson from the British Heart Foundation said: “The report showed the levy may have had a greater impact for girls from more deprived areas, suggesting that changes to our food environment, like taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, could be one way to help to address health inequalities.”

Children with obesity are more likely to grow up to be adults with obesity, and at greater risk of heart and circulatory diseases as a result.  

John Maingay, director of policy and influencing at the British Heart Foundation, added: “It's hugely encouraging to see that the introduction of the sugar levy is associated with reduced obesity levels in some children. Effective and enforced measures like this work to incentivise manufacturers across the board to change their products, contributing to a healthier food environment.  

“There is now great potential to build on the success of the sugar levy, and introduce similar measures on other types of unhealthy foods and drinks, where voluntary programmes have not driven the progress that we so need. We’re also urging the Government to press ahead with restricting junk food marketing to give children a greater chance at living a healthy life.”