We used to think that sugar just caused rotting teeth and overly excited children. It now stands accused of leading to the obesity epidemic, the rise in diabetes, and being an addictive substance.

In recent years, pressure has begun to mount to reduce the 34kg of sugar that Britons consume each year. Campaigners such as Jamie Oliver were finally given a victory in the most recent budget, where a tax was proposed on sugary drinks.

But is sugar really addictive? Will a sugar tax actually lead to better health? How would it change behaviour? How can we best tackle the chronic health problems associated with consuming too many calories?

To answer these questions, we are hosting a panel debate with leading experts on both sides of the sugar divide: “Are we addicted to sugar? Waistlines, wallets and sugar taxes.”

London South Bank University is hosting a series of debates on addiction during 2016/17. This debate series will help to shine a light on the complexities and nuances of work in addiction, future topics include e-cigarettes and legal highs.