The British Liver Trust welcomes announcement in budget of a new levy on producers of sugary soft drinks
Andrew Langford, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust said
“Liver disease is the only major cause of death that is rising at an alarming rate. Prevalence has increased by 400% since the 1970s and the UK now has a liver disease epidemic on its hands.
Obesity is a major reason for this increase with one in five of us likely to have non-alcohol related fatty liver disease. This new initiative will encourage producers to cut the sugar in their soft drinks and is a step in the right direction in tackling the obesity crisis. The levy will not come into force until April 2018 so it’s important in the meantime that we are all aware of the risks to your liver of being overweight and try to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle.”