FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

Media Statement

RCPE welcomes wider discussion on sugary drinks tax and obesity

Commenting on the publication of the BMA’s ‘Food for Thought’ Report, which calls for a 20 percent tax on sugary drinks, Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:

“The RCPE welcomes the publication of today’s ‘Food for Thought’ report by the British Medical Association. 

“At a recent conference hosted by the RCPE on ‘Obesity – a 21st Century Epidemic’, a tax on sugary drinks was discussed as one part of the solution to tackling the complex causes and consequences of obesity.

“It is essential that we continue to raise awareness of the extent of the problem and look at all possible answers to tackling it in the long term.  A tax on sugary drinks is an essential part of this conversation.”

ENDS

Contact: Lisa Rooke, RCPE - 0131 247 3688 / 07717 895628 / l.rooke@rcpe.ac.uk