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A can of fizzy drink contains more than the recommended daily amount of sugar for children under 11, according to new guidelines from scientific experts.

A report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) advises the Government to halve the current recommended intake of free sugars in a bid to tackle the growing obesity and diabetes crises, estimated to cost the NHS a combined £15 billion a year.

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Free sugars are those that are added to food by manufacturers or those naturally present in honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices.

The recommendations – that free sugars account for no more than 5 per cent of daily energy intake – are also hoped to reduce the risk of tooth decay, which is the number one cause of hospital admissions among children.

The guidelines say the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, such as fizzy drinks, soft drinks and squash, should be minimised by both children and adults in particular because of their links to weight gain and the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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The Government said it is accepting the recommendations and will be using them to develop its forthcoming national strategy on childhood obesity, due out later this year.

But it has said it will not be introducing a sugar tax, which has been suggested by many, with doctors' union the British Medical Association becoming the latest to join the call this week.

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Professor Ian Macdonald, chairman of the SACN Carbohydrates and Health working group, said: "The evidence is stark – too much sugar is harmful to health and we all need to cut back.

"The clear and consistent link between a high-sugar diet and conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes is the wake-up call we need. Cut down on sugars and we'll all have a better chance of living healthier lives."