Revealed! Artificial sweeteners may not help lose weight

The findings of a recent study suggest that artificial sweeteners may not help with weight loss The research published in the journal The BMJ also stated that there is not enough evidence on their safetyGrowing concerns about health and quality of life have encouraged many people to adopt healthier lifestyles and avoid foods rich in sugars salt or fat Foods and drinks containing nonsugar sweeteners rather than regular free sugars have therefore become increasingly popularAlthough several nonsugar sweeteners are approved for use less is known about their potential benefits and harms within acceptable daily intakes because the evidence is often limited and conflictingTo better understand these potential benefits and harms a team of European researchers analysed 56 studies comparing no intake or lower intake of nonsugar sweeteners with higher intake in healthy adults and children Measures included weight blood sugar glycaemic control oral health cancer cardiovascular disease kidney disease mood and behaviour Studies were assessed for bias and certainty of evidenceOverall the results show that for most outcomes there seemed to be no statistically or clinically relevant differences between those exposed to nonsugar sweeteners and those not exposed or between different doses of nonsugar sweetenersFor example in adults findings from a few small studies suggested small improvements in body mass index and fasting blood glucose levels with nonsugar sweeteners but the certainty of this evidence was low Lower intakes of nonsugar sweeteners were associated with slightly less weight gain 009 kg than higher intakes but again the certainty of this evidence was lowIn children a smaller increase in body mass index score was seen with nonsugar sweeteners compared with sugar but intake of nonsugar sweeteners made no differences to body weightAnd no good evidence of any effect of nonsugar sweeteners was found for overweight or obese adults or children actively trying to lose weight In a linked editorial Vasanti Malik at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health agrees that more studies are needed to understand the potential health effects of nonsugar sweeteners and to guide policy developmentBased on existing evidence she says use of nonsugar sweeteners as a replacement for free sugars particularly in sugarsweetened drinks could be a helpful strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk chances of having diabetes heart disease or stroke among heavy consumers with the ultimate goal of switching to water or other healthy drinksCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updatesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever