Letter: Sweet indulgence

Nutritional information, including calorie content and sugar content, is stated in a clear format on the front of the pack. The GDA (Guideline Daily Amounts) format enables consumers to compare one product with another and choose the one most suitable for their diet.

Obesity arises from an excess of calories in the diet over calories expended in exercise. To deal with obesity means to address both sides of that equation, calories out as well as calories in, lifestyle as well as diet.

Any food or drink may be consumed within a balanced diet, but all must be consumed in moderation. Soft drinks are widely consumed but they only provide about 3 per cent of the calories in the average diet.

More than 60 per cent of the market is now made up of diet, low calorie and no added sugar drinks, up from 30 per cent 20 years ago.

People who need to watch their weight may well find switching to a diet drink or bottled water a good idea.

Richard Laming

British Soft Drinks Association

Bedford Row

London