WHO Advises Against Using Artificial Sweeteners to Manage Weight
Based on a systematic review published in April 2022, the WHO’s new guidelines advise against using artificial sweeteners to manage weight and chronic disease.
A press release on May 15, 2023, by the WHO warns patients against using artificial sweeteners, also called non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), when trying to manage body weight or prevent chronic disease. The recommendations depend on the results of a systematic review released by the organization in April 2022.
According to the review, randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, and case–control studies only noted a slight reduction in body weight and BMI in adults attempting to manage weight or reduce chronic disease risk.
Beyond a minimal impact on weight, the review noted that NSS did not alter adiposity, cardiometabolic health, fasting glucose, insulin, blood lipids, or blood pressure.
Additional insights reveal that high NSS intake can increase weight and the risk of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Researchers in the review concluded, “The results suggest that, in the short term, NSS use may lead to small reductions in adiposity without any significant impact on cardiometabolic risk. There is suggestion of negative health effects with long-term use, but the evidence is ultimately inconclusive.”
Based on this review, the WHO notes that anyone hoping to manage weight or prevent chronic disease should avoid artificial sweeteners, the only exception being individuals with diabetes.
NSSs include non-nutritive sweeteners in food or drinks and those that are sold separately to be added for consumption. Common components in NSS are acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neomate, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, and stevia derivatives.
"Replacing free sugars with NSS does not help with weight control in the long term. People need to consider other ways to reduce free sugars intake, such as consuming food with naturally occurring sugars, like fruit, or unsweetened food and beverages,” said Francesco Branca, MD, PhD, WHO Director for Nutrition and Food Safety, in the WHO announcement. "NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. People should reduce the sweetness of the diet altogether, starting early in life, to improve their health."
