UK Introduces New Sugar Tax to Combat Obesity Crisis

The United Kingdom has launched a new set of measures aimed at tackling rising obesity rates, announcing a sugar tax on milkshakes, packaged milk drinks, and other sugary beverages.

Under the new policy, the government has reduced the sugar limit in drinks from **5 grams to 4.5 grams per 100 millilitres**. Any beverage exceeding this threshold will be subject to a sugar tax.

Speaking in Parliament, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that obesity deprives children of “the best start in life” and disproportionately affects the poorest communities. He added that obese individuals face lifelong health complications, costing the government billions of pounds annually in medical care.

According to media reports, the tax will *not* apply to “open-cup” drinks sold in cafés or marketplaces.
The new sugar tax is set to take effect from **January 1, 2028**.