On the review, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:
The RCP welcomes the latest evidence review by Public Health England, Sugar Reduction: The evidence for action. Its recommended actions echo the RCP’s call for evidence-based action on sugar, including a tax or levy on sugary drinks.
As Public Health England’s evidence review highlights, consuming too much sugar can lead to people becoming overweight, which can cause serious health problems ranging from diabetes to cancer. The RCP is committed to working with government and partners across the system to reduce the harmful effects of sugar to people’s health.
With more than 60% of adults and 20% of reception-aged children in England already overweight or obese, it is vital that we all take concerted action to tackle this growing problem. Today’s evidence review only strengthens the case for government, regulators, and food and drinks manufactures and retailers, to introduce evidence-based action that will not only help us all to live healthier lives, but as PHE highlights, could also save the NHS £500 million per year.
For more information please contact Linda Cuthbertson, Interim Director of Strategy, Communications and Policy, External Affairs on +44 (0)20 3075 1254 or by email linda.cuthbertson@rcplondon.ac.uk