Councils are calling for the Government to recommit to the sugar levy, after the University of Cambridge published one of the first long-term studies into its effectiveness.
The research found that the tax, placed on sugary drinks, may have prevented more than 5,000 cases of obesity every year among girls in their final year of primary school.
The data found that the sugar tax seems to have had a measurable effect on older girls’ obesity levels, leading to an 8 per cent drop in obesity in Year 6 – preventing 5,234 cases of obesity per year in this group alone.
Reductions were greatest (9 per cent) among girls whose schools were in deprived areas, where children are known to consume the largest amount of sugary drinks.
Councils are using the evidence from the study to call for the Government to recommit to the levy, after questions had been raised about its future, and to ensure investment is targeted at communities with the highest level of need.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “This compelling piece of evidence shows the impact the sugar levy has had on addressing rising levels of childhood obesity.
“Vital funds previously raised by the levy have been allocated towards measures to improve child health, such as breakfast clubs and additional sports and PE provision in schools.
“The Government should recommit to maintaining the levy and work with councils to ensure that it is delivered effectively in local communities and targeted to the areas that really need it the most.”