Sugar tax could slash childhood obesity by 10% - study finds
Researchers found that the Levy, due to be introduced in April 2018, could result in up to 144,000 fewer people with obesity, including 95,000 children.
The study, published in the health journal The Lancet, predicted the greatest benefit for obesity and oral health would be amongst children.
In the four to ten year olds age bracket, it predicts cases of obesity could drop by 10%, accounting to 45,700 fewer cases out of the current total of 465,900.
It also found that reducing sugar content of all high-sugar drinks by 30% and moderately sugary drinks by 15% would lead to 19,000 fewer cases of Type 2 diabetes, and 269,000 fewer instances of tooth decay.
The Levy will see drinks with at least 5g of sugar per 100ml face taxation, with a higher rate for those with more than 8g.
To read the full article in the Lancet, click here.