Why is too much sugar bad for you and what are the health risks?
On Thursday, the Prime Minister indicated that plans for a new tax on sugary drinks are once again being considered by the Government.
Charities and campaigners such as Jamie Oliver have called for the extra charge to be introduced on sweetened drinks to "nudge" shoppers towards healthier choices.
But what is the thinking behind the tax? Why is sugar, or too much sugar, bad for you?
Free sugars
When people talk about having too much sugar, they are often referring to "free sugars".
These are any sugars added to food and drinks by manufacturers, as well as being found naturally in things like honey and syrup.
Products containing free sugars are usually high in energy, but do not contain many other nutrients.
If you eat a lot of these, you will get more calories than you need, potentially resulting in weight gain and obesity.
Read: How to use Public Health England's sugar counting app
The health risks
People who eat too much sugar and become overweight are at greater risk of a whole range of conditions.
These include potentially fatal heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Another risk from eating too much sugar is developing tooth decay, which can lead to cavities, gum disease and dental abscesses. You could even end up losing a tooth.
Obesity is also associated with the onset of cancer, stroke, high blood pressure and arthritis.
Read: Calls for sugar tax intensify as study links obesity to cancer
The professional view
Numerous leading doctors and officials have been vocal on the subject, with NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens describing obesity as "the new smoking".
Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said sugar is a "hidden enemy" as it is often concealed in drinks such as fruit juice and cereals, which are presented as "healthy options".
Read: British children 'consuming their body weight in sugar'
“GPs are not killjoys, but there is absolutely no place in our diets – particularly children’s – for sugary drinks," said Dr Baker.
“Our patients are increasingly suffering from multiple, long-term conditions where both malnutrition and obesity are key risk factors."
The financial costs
Obesity currently costs the NHS between £6 billion and £8 billion a year. In 2012, it was predicted it would cost the health service more than £10bn by 2030.
It is a greater burden on the UK's economy than armed violence, war and terrorism, and the global economic impact of obesity has been estimated at £1.4 trillion.