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Taxing fizzy drinks could mean 180,000 fewer obese adults and raise £276million revenue, researchers say.

Experts from Oxford and Reading universities worked out that a 20% tax would put about 12p on a 330ml can of fizzy drink bought in a supermarket.

A typical sugary drink contains between six and 15 teaspoons of sugar, with one teaspoon containing 16 calories.

Modelling by the team this month showed a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola, which contains 210 calories and 14 teaspoons of sugar, would see its price jump from £1.15 to £1.38.

A two-litre bottle, which has 55 teaspoons of sugar, would go from £1.98 to £2.38.

Meanwhile 500ml of Ribena, which has 13 teaspoons of sugar, would jump from £1.18 to £1.42.

Dr Adam Briggs, of Oxford University, said: “The money could be used to subsidise healthy food like fruit and vegetables.”

The authors revealed that young adults, aged 16-29 would be impacted the most.

They also issued warnings against consuming sugar sweetened drinks, which increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.

Dr Adam Briggs added: “This revenue could be used to increase NHS funding during a period of budget restrictions or to subsidise foods with health benefits, such as fruit and vegetables.

“The taxation of sugar sweetened drinks is a promising population measure to target population obesity, particularly among younger adults.”

Jason Block, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School in the US, is calling for a tax on fizzy pop to be piloted in the UK for a year.

He said: “This study provides evidence that a 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks can work and more countries should implement high taxes and measure the results.”

“Econometric modelling studies are important and helpful but provide projections rather than measures after actual policy change.

“We now need policy makers to act and provide opportunities for real world evidence on a 20 per cent tax on sugar sweetened drinks.”