People aiming to lose weight should cut down on their sugar intake, a new study suggests.

According to the findings, less sugar consumption has a ‘small but significant' effect on the body weight of adults.

Previous studies have linked high amounts of sugar in the diet to weight gain and obesity, however not all of these studies have found statistically significant links.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) currently recommends that ‘free sugars' should make up no more than 10% of a person's daily energy intake. Free sugars are those which are added to foods by the consumer, cook or manufacturer, as well as those naturally present in fruit juices, honey and syrups.

However to date, no upper safe limit has been agreed in relation to sugar consumption.

Scientists in New Zealand decided to investigate this further. They looked at over 70 studies on sugar intake and body fat to find out more about the link between dietary sugars and body weight.

They found that a reduction in free sugar consumption led to an average 0.8kg (1.7lb) reduction in weight, while an increase in sugar intake led to a similar weight gain.

While acknowledging that this weight loss or gain is relatively small, the scientists said that this was not surprising given the many causes of obesity. Furthermore, they insisted that the ‘overall consistency of the findings, regardless of study type, is reassuring'.

"When considering the rapid weight gain that occurs after an increased intake of sugars, it seems reasonable to conclude that advice relating to sugar intake is a relevant component of a strategy to reduce the high risk of overweight and obesity in most countries," the team said.

While the results in children were less consistent, this was largely due to poor diet compliance. And when it came to sugary drinks, those who consumed the most had the highest risk of being overweight or obese compared to those who consumed the least.

Details of these findings are published in the British Medical Journal.

In an accompanying editorial, experts from Harvard University in the US noted that more and more evidence appears to point ‘towards a role for sugar and other refined carbohydrates in the development of overweight'.

They added that reducing the consumption of sugar sweetened drinks is a ‘high priority'.