Obesity, type 2 diabetes and their complications are consistently increasing all around the world, both in developed and in developing countries. Sweetened beverages consumption is considered an important contributor to the widespread of these diseases. This led many countries worldwide to create a “sugar tax”, a levy on sugar content of these beverages, to discourage the consumption of such drinks. This article will examine some of the most significant examples of sugar taxes worldwide and their current and potential impact on drinks sales and consumption and on incidence and prevalence of consequent metabolic diseases. “sugar tax”, “obesity, “type 2 diabetes”, “sweetened beverages”. KEY WORDS obesity; sugar tax; type 2 diabetes; sweetened beverages.