Don’t use sugar substitutes if you’re trying to lose weight, according to a new guideline from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The global health body stated that a systematic review of the available evidence suggested that the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) “does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
The review also indicated that there may be “potential undesirable effects” from the long-term use of sugar substitutes, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
“Replacing free sugars with NSS does not help with long-term weight control. People need to consider other ways to reduce their intake of free sugars, such as consuming foods with natural sugar, like fruits, or sugar-free foods and beverages,” said Francesco Branca, director of nutrition and food safety at WHO, in a press statement.
The recommendation included synthetic low or no-calorie sweeteners and natural extracts, which may or may not be chemically modified, such as acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, and stevia derivatives, WHO said.
The organization stated that its recommendation applies to all individuals except those with pre-existing diabetes.
Non-sugar sweeteners are widely used as an ingredient in pre-packaged foods and beverages and are sometimes also added to foods and drinks directly by consumers.
WHO issued guidelines on sugar intake in 2015, recommending that adults and children reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. Following this recommendation, interest in alternative substances to sugar has intensified, the review concluded.
Source: CNN