In Ireland, the push to get a sugar tax over the line has been eight years in the making.

Clinical lead for obesity at Ireland’s Health Service Executive, Professor Donal O’Shea, says the battle against obesity is only just beginning.

“High fat, high salt, high sugar sells,” he tells Chris Smith.

“Childhood obesity drives adult obesity.

“Adult obesity is delivering, on average, 14 years of chronic illness before we die.”

Dr O’Shea says for change to happen, the problem should be looked at “like another smoking ban”.

“As a single measure, I think there is nothing else that is likely to impact on obesity like a sugar, sweetened drinks tax.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview