Why You Might Want to Rethink Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners often accompany weight-loss journeys. Why does the World Health Organization suggest avoiding them? Get all the details.
(Photo: Shutterstock)The path to weight loss is often accompanied by the use of artificial sweeteners. According to the World Health Organization, it's recommended to avoid consuming them sooner rather than later.
A team from the World Health Organization examined 238 studies, which found that artificial sweeteners have no long-term effects on weight loss.
Francesco Branca, Head of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, stated, "A systematic review of the available evidence has shown that using non-sugar sweeteners does not provide long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. Replacing free sugars with artificial sweeteners does not help in weight control over the long term."
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Additionally, it is advisable to adopt other ways to reduce the intake of free sugars, such as consuming foods with natural sugars found in fruits.
He added: "Artificial sweeteners are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. People should reduce the sweetness of their foods entirely, beginning early in life, to improve their health."
Long-Term Risks
Further, according to the WHO review, using sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners may cause long-term health harms like increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. The statement noted, "There may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of sugar substitutes, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases."
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