How to tackle Ireland’s growing obesity problem?

This week, in its first policy paper The Race We Don’t Want to Win, the RCPI called for the introduction of a 20 per cent tax on sugar-sweetened drinks in Budget 2015. It also called for a number of measures aimed at tackling Ireland's growing obesity problem, including advertising bans and the promotion of sporting activity in the community. It is fitting to note, then, that a US study reported online at BMJ.com has found that a penny-an-ounce tax on sweetened beverages would have more of an impact on childhood obesity than either increased after-school activity or any ban on…