In the past I have reported that artificial sweeteners; or non-nutritive sweeteners such as stevia, sweet 'n low, aspartame, etc do not seem to help weight loss and may even cause increase appetite.
In a recent study (CMAJ July 17, 2017 vol. 189 no. 28 doi: 10.1503/cmaj.161390), researchers examined 37 studies that looked at the effects of artificial sweeteners in 400,000 people over age 12. They found that for outcomes like weight, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, there was higher risk with increased intake of artificial sweeteners.
Dr. Harlan Krumholz, editor-in-chief of NEJM Journal Watch Cardiology, comments: "This study raises the concerning possibility that not only have these sweeteners not helped people manage their weight, but may have actually jeopardized their cardiometabolic health. The evidence base is far too weak to make definitive conclusions, but the urgent need for more information about these common ingredients is obvious."
In a second study, Stroke. 2017;STROKEAHA.116.016027, over 10 years' follow-up, recent and cumulative intake of artificially sweetened soft drinks was associated with increased risks for stroke, all-cause dementia, and Alzheimer dementia. Sugar-sweetened soft drinks did not pose increased risk.
Often people at high risk or obese start drinking diet sodas, etc, as a way to loose weight and lower risk. It seems clear the opposite occurs.
In my opinion artificial sweeteners have no place in our diet. And high sugar sodas, which can contain 16 packets of sugar per glass also are very bad for us. Dietary change to healthier food is the only answer; there are no shortcuts!
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