WHO: Artificial Sweeteners Ineffective for Weight Control, Says New Guidance
The World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidelines this week stating that artificial sweeteners should not be relied upon for weight loss or reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Artificial sweeteners, which are up to 400 times sweeter than sugar but provide little to no energy, have been promoted as sugar substitutes for weight management. However, research spanning several decades has revealed that these claims are unfounded.
The WHO's recommendation is based on a comprehensive systematic review that examined various types of studies, including randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and case-control studies. While the randomized controlled trials showed slightly lower weight in individuals consuming more artificial sweeteners, the cohort studies indicated a higher body mass index (BMI) and increased likelihood of obesity with higher intakes of artificial sweeteners.
Moreover, the prospective cohort studies found that higher consumption of artificial sweetened beverages was associated with a 23% increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes. For those adding artificial sweeteners to foods and drinks, the risk of diabetes rose by 34%. However, artificial sweeteners did not significantly affect clinical indicators in people with diabetes.
In the long-term observational studies, higher intakes of artificial sweeteners were linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality. However, no notable associations were found between artificial sweeteners and cancer rates or premature death from cancer.
While some criticism has been raised regarding the low certainty of the study's quality, the WHO emphasizes that its guidance is based on a range of research designs and not solely on randomized controlled trials.
It is important to note that the WHO's advice does not imply that artificial sweeteners are unsafe or should be banned. The focus of the review was not on safety issues but rather on their effectiveness for weight control.
In terms of alternative options, both the WHO and Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting added sugar intake and obtaining extra energy from core food groups rather than discretionary foods. Healthy alternatives include water, unsweetened tea or coffee, kombucha without added sugar, soda or mineral water flavored with a small amount of fruit juice, and milk to meet calcium requirements.
Overall, the WHO's guidance highlights the limited benefits of artificial sweeteners for weight loss and underscores the importance of a balanced diet and lifestyle choices for managing weight and reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases.