Sugar substitutes won’t help you lose weight

Sunday, May 21, 2023 - 14:31 in Health & Medicine

Popular sugar substitutes are found in many products labeled as sugar-free. Deposit Photos New guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) says to avoid using sugar substitutes if you are trying to lose weight. Some common non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) include aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, among others. These substances are found in a wide range of products including diet sodas and most items labeled “sugar free.” They’re often used to replace full sugar drinks and snacks during diets. [Related: Popular artificial sweetener associated with risk of heart attack and stroke.] Consuming non-sugar sweeteners, “does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children,” according to systematic review of available literature by the WHO.  Additionally, there may be “potential undesirable effects” from long-term use of sugar substitutes, including an increased risk of...

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