Sweeteners for weight loss – the WHO warns against long-term use

Crystal sugar has been discredited. Many people therefore use sweeteners as an alternative to refined sugar. Because these contain fewer calories than table sugar. But do sweeteners really help with weight loss?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has now come up with an answer. The Geneva-based organization advises against the use of sweeteners as a weight loss aid. Because studies have shown that the sweet flavor enhancers can only help with weight loss in the short term. However, those who consume sugar substitutes for a long time still have an increased risk of obesity.

Even worse, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are possible side effects of long-term use of sugar substitutes. The recommendations are aimed at all people except those suffering from diabetes, as this was not taken into account in the studies.

The studies looked at low-calorie or low-calorie synthetic sweeteners such as stevia, sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame. All of these sweeteners have no nutritional value, they are only used for flavor. They are often used in packaged foods or drinks. However, the sweeteners are increasingly being used in the kitchen by private individuals, for example in baking or as an alternative to sugar in coffee.

When the WHO recommended limiting sugar consumption to a maximum of 10 percent of energy intake in 2015, interest in sugar alternatives increased enormously.

Those who want to lose weight or improve their health should consider another way to reduce their sugar intake, such as eating foods with naturally occurring sugars, such as fruit.

(cst)