2024-04-16 18:06:11
A new study conducted by a group of researchers and experts reported that using low- or no-calorie sweeteners instead of sugar after weight loss may help in weight management without increasing the risk of disease.
People who used the sweeteners saw improved mood, decreased cravings for sweet foods, and increased satisfaction with the diet.
Although the results of this study are promising, they conflict with other studies on the safety of sweeteners. People concerned about their weight often turn to artificially sweetened products for no-calorie or low-calorie sweets, but does this strategy really help with weight management? In this context, a new study indicates that it may be promising. He found the research known as the “Sweet Project.” People who lost weight quickly and then replaced sugary foods and drinks with those containing sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) continued to lose weight for a year.
The researchers, who will present their findings at the European Obesity Congress next May, also discovered a link between sweetener consumption and improved mood, increased satisfaction with diet, and reduced cravings for sweets.
Furthermore, eating sugar substitutes does not appear to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease. This is according to what was reported by the prestigious medical magazine “Health”.
These findings contradict a 2023 WHO systematic review that concluded that artificial sweeteners increase the risk of these chronic conditions and that replacing sugary products with artificially sweetened ones does not help with long-term weight control.
Based on its research, the organization recommended against consuming artificial sweeteners to lose weight.
Dr. Anne Rabin, a professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Copenhagen, who led the new study, said in a statement, “Weight maintenance is difficult to achieve after weight loss, and our findings support the use of micronutrients found in many foods and beverages around the world as alternatives to products.” Sugar-sweetened to help control weight in overweight adults.
How can sweeteners affect weight loss?
In a one-year trial, researchers recruited nearly 350 overweight or obese adults, as well as nearly 40 overweight children.
During the first two months of the study, the team instructed adult participants to follow a low-calorie diet aimed at helping them lose at least 5 percent of their weight. They asked the participating children to maintain their weight. Then they divided the participants into two groups. One group followed a nutritious diet that contained less than 10 percent of calories from foods and beverages with added sugar, which could not include products containing artificial sweeteners. The other group followed the same eating plan, but were allowed to consume artificially sweetened products.
During the study, participants completed questionnaires about their diet, eating habits, physical activity and quality of life. The researchers also tracked their weight, body measurements, and signs of diabetes and heart disease. After ten months, the scientists found that adults in the group that consumed the sweeteners lost weight, were more satisfied with their diet, had a more positive mood, and had a lower desire to eat sweeteners compared to participants in the other group. The adults in the group who couldn’t eat the sweeteners also lost weight, but not quite as much as their counterparts who did eat the sweeteners.
For his part, co-author Dr Jason Halford, Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Leeds and President of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, says: “The use of low-calorie sweeteners for weight management has been questioned, partly due to the relationship between their use and weight gain evident in observational studies.”
“However, it is becoming increasingly clear that this is not the case in long-term studies,” he explained. The only finding for the participating children was that replacing sugary foods and drinks with sweetened products was beneficial; Especially for children with high levels of disordered eating, and the analysis did not show an increased risk of diabetes or heart disease in either group.
In this context, the researchers noted some limitations in the study, including the small number of participating children and testing the sweeteners collectively without distinguishing between children.
There is also a question about the generalizability of the results because most participants were women with higher levels of education.
Previous studies indicated that fake sugars could cause cardiovascular problems and diabetes.
For her part, Dr. Rekha Kumar, an endocrinologist and former medical director of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, says, “While researchers do not know how this could happen, some people believe that it may stimulate sugar cravings or change the gut microbiome in a way that negatively affects the process of eating sugar. Metabolism”.
Rabin, who led the study, points out that most of the research on the safety of sweeteners has come from animal studies using doses much higher than humans typically consume.
Despite WHO recommendations, the USDA has not changed its position on sweeteners.
The agency has found that the sweeteners are generally considered safe, according to Dr. Sarah Hormacchia, a registered dietitian at Nourish. She stressed, “The experts interviewed agree that the benefits of sugar substitutes at this stage outweigh any potential negative side.”
Dr. Kylie Bensley, registered dietitian and owner of Suluni Nutrition, explains, “There are many health risks associated with being overweight or obese compared to consuming artificial sweeteners.”
Kumar explains that “weight management or loss is not a one-size-fits-all process.” Noting that the matter requires a “personal and comprehensive approach.” But she pointed to “strategies that can continually support metabolic health.” Suggested “at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as cycling or brisk walking.”
To do this, Dr. Lori Wright, registered dietitian and associate professor at the University of South Florida College of Public Health, suggests “eating a plant-based diet full of lean proteins, a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats from foods; Such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish. She also recommends “avoiding ultra-processed foods.” Bensley also suggests “developing easy ways to satisfy your sweet tooth with natural sugars.” “She is a big fan of apple slices with caramel or with peanut butter and chocolate chips.” “We can eat sweet food once a day,” she said.
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