Doctors gathering at a Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh conference in Edinburgh today [5th June 2015] on ‘Obesity – a 21st century epidemic?’ will be told that a tax on sugary drinks must form part of the approach to tackling obesity as a priority. 

Professor Simon Capewell, Chair of Clinical Epidemiology, Public Health and Policy at the University of Liverpool, will highlight the recent successful implementation of a 10% sugary drinks tax in Mexico – where studies suggest a corresponding 10% reduction in consumption - as an example of where lessons can be learned.  Professor Capewell will state that price interventions targeting food and sugary drinks can be powerfully effective and will examine how Scotland could lead the way in the UK.

The conference will consider the latest evidence on levels of obesity in the population, health consequences, the challenges of changing behaviour, and how we can learn from other countries. Delegates will hear that a tax on sugar must form part of a collective solution which recognises the severity and complexity of the issue.  

Delegates will also hear that a meaningful response to the problems of the “obesogenic environment” will require further activities across the entire system from controls on advertising to children through to individual level counselling and European agricultural policy.  They will hear about the efficacy and limitations of intervention in childhood, why programmes based on voluntary deals with industry can fail, and the impact on the developing world.

Professor Simon Capewell said:

“The successful introduction of sugar taxes in countries as diverse as Finland, France, Hungary, Latvia, the USA, and Mexico have shown how effective a measure they can be in reducing consumption.  Furthermore, the revenues raised can then be invested back into initiatives to increase children’s health in these countries, as is happening in Mexico.

“It is now time to move forward on introducing a tax on sugary drinks in the UK as a central component of preventing the continuing escalation of obesity and spiralling healthcare costs. 

“Scotland has an excellent track record in addressing public health issues. Notable achievements include smoke-free public places and proposals for minimum unit pricing for alcohol.  We need to explore how these developments could be repeated with sugary drinks.

“The medical profession has learned valuable lessons from two centuries of public health successes and it is clear that a duty on sugary drinks can play a vital role - alongside preventable interventions targeting the “3As” – Affordability, Acceptability and Availability - in attacking this disease on all sides.”

Professor Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:

“We are pleased to welcome all of our speakers and delegates to this conference today.  It comes at a time of increased focus on obesity and its wider consequences. 

“We know that the causes and treatment of obesity are varied and complex, meaning a simple answer to the problem does not exist. 

“What is clear, however, is that a comprehensive and collaborative approach is required to tackle all the elements in the longer term. This conference will be a useful opportunity to discuss how doctors and health care professionals can address the challenges posed.

“Food and drink taxes are an important part of the discussion on obesity and public health more widely.  The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is committed to playing a central role in this debate and has established its own Health and Wellbeing programme aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles for all through promoting healthy choices. 

“The College also recently supported the Responsible Retailing of Energy Drinks (RRED) campaign and the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision to remove energy drinks - many of which have high sugar content - from Edinburgh Leisure venues. 

“Only by systematically addressing these issues in the round can further progress be made.”

The event has been organised by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (endorsed by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland). 

Other speakers at the event include:

  • Dr Harry Rutter, Senior Clinical Research Fellow, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, (on the challenge of obesity)
  • Professor Susan Jebb, Professor of Diet & Population Health, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford (on developments since the Foresight obesity report)
  • Professor Annie Anderson, Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention & Screening, Centre for Public Health Nutrition Research, Division of Cancer Research, University of Dundee (on the challenge of behaviour change)
  • Professor Mike Lean, Chair of Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow (on personal responsibility: food and drink)
  • Dr Jason Gill, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow (on sugar, exercise and health)
  • Professor Charlotte Wright, Professor of Community Child Health, University of Glasgow (on starting young - obesity treatment and prevention in childhood)

ENDS

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

Notes to Editors

  1. The RCPE Hot Topic Symposium on “Obesity – a 21st century epidemic?” (endorsed by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland) will be held at the RCPE, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh on 5th June 2015 from 9.00am – 4.40pm.
  2. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is an independent standard-setting body and professional membership organisation whose aim is to improve and maintain the quality of patient care.
  3. Journalists interested in attending this event should contact Lisa Rooke on 0131-247-3688 or 07717 895628.
  4. A study by Mexico’s National Institute of Public Health measured the decline in sugary beverage consumption at 10% during the first three months of 2014 following the introduction of a sugary drinks tax.