Sugar Crisis (02:21)

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Some health experts say sugar is as dangerous as alcohol and tobacco. In this film, Jamie Oliver will examine its effects on obesity and type II diabetes around the world. Mario, 6-years-old, has tooth decay from sugary drinks.

Sugary Drinks and Dental Health (03:50)

Surgeons pull Mario's decaying teeth—a common yet avoidable problem among young children. Brushing won't stop the effects of constant sugar consumption,. The procedure costs the NHS £30 million annually, draining valuable hospital resources.

Quantifying "Free" Sugars in Breakfast (02:21)

The WHO advises limiting sugar to 7 teaspoons daily; many U.K. citizens consume 40. A serving of breakfast cereal and orange juice typically contains 14 teaspoons, or 56 grams.

"Free" Sugars in Lunch and Dinner (02:56)

A serving of bread and tomato soup contains 3 teaspoons of added sugar; flavored water contains 7 teaspoons; and a stir fry sauce contains 10 teaspoons. U.K. citizens consume 35 teaspoons daily on average—five times the recommended amount.

Sugar and Type II Diabetes (02:14)

The disease is increasing in the U.K., costing the NHS £9 billion annually. A patient didn't know he was diabetic until toe infections became gangrenous; he recently had a foot amputated.

Type II Diabetes and Public Health (02:16)

There are 7,000 diabetes related amputations in the U.K. per year; the disease accounts for 10% of the NHS budget. The crisis worsens as more children are diagnosed early.

Diet Related Disease (02:58)

Becky, 15, suffers type II diabetes, mainly caused by poor nutrition choices. She has to monitor her blood sugar five times daily to avoid health complications—a big responsibility for a teenager.

Child Targeted Checkout Aisle (03:12)

In the U.K., one in three children is overweight by age 11. An 8-year-old girl secretly films in supermarkets, showing sugary products placed at eye level. Approximately 70% of candy sales are impulse buys and 90% of snacks are classified as unhealthy.

Child Targeted Advertising (04:07)

Young U.K. viewers are exposed to 11 unhealthy food ads per hour; prime time shows aren't subject to regulation. A food industry representative argues that parents are responsible for preventing obesity, labeling hidden sugars will confuse consumers, and businesses can self-regulate.

Mexico's Public Health Crisis (02:14)

Oliver calls for government regulation of the British food industry. In 1994, Mexican diets began shifting to processed food. Today, nearly 70% of the population is overweight or obese and type II diabetes is the leading cause of death.

Soda Consumption in Mexico (02:47)

Sugary drink companies target poor, indigenous communities, becoming part of their cultural identity. Residents of a Maya village consume two liters daily. Type II diabetes skyrocketed and overwhelms the public healthcare system.

Coca-Cola Culture (02:52)

Indigenous communities embrace sugary soda. Residents drink four bottles a day and mothers feed it to babies. Coca-Cola claims it doesn't market to children and provides consumer information for smart consumption choices.

Mexico's Soda Tax (02:05)

Drinks with added sugar have a 10% levy, raising $1.2 billion in 2014 to fund school water fountains. Consumption decreased by 6%; 80% of Mexican citizens are aware of the diabetes link.

U.K. Soda Tax Experiment (04:06)

A sugary drink levy could reduce obesity and save the NHS £15 million annually. Oliver will impose a tax in his restaurants and spend the money on children's food education. He visits a primary school teaching health through cooking and gardening.

Lobbying for a U.K. Soda Tax (03:31)

Oliver speaks to restaurant group CEOs about a self-imposed levy on sugary drinks to address type II diabetes and child obesity. The money raised would go to children’s food education and support the NHS.

Future of British Health (02:23)

Some restaurant CEOs express interest in Oliver's self-imposed soda tax; his main priority is showing the U.K. government it can work to reduce consumption. He urges viewers to propose a similar idea to their governments.

Credits: Jamie's Sugar Rush (00:45)

Credits: Jamie's Sugar Rush