Childhood obesity is a major public health concern and sugar consumption is believed to be a significant contributing factor. Potential interventions include: restrictions on the marketing of certain foods to children; the introduction of a ‘sugar tax’; and prohibiting the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to under-18s. But will any of these ‘solutions’ actually work? This seminar will attempt to explore this complex issue using insights from three recently completed studies:

The social and economic context for young people’s food and drink purchasing in and around secondary schools – Dr Wendy Wills, University of Hertfordshire

Energy drinks: hype or hyper? A mixed methods study on children and young people’s consumption of energy drinks – Dr Shelina Visram, Durham University

Is a sugar tax likely to be feasible, acceptable and effective in the UK context? – Dr Victoria McGowan, Teesside University

Lunch to be provided. Book now, places are limited.