Ditch the sugar and try low-calorie sweeteners to ‘improve weight loss,’ experts say
Substituting sugar for low-calorie sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia-derived substances can improve weight loss, help weight management, and improve your mood, according to a new study out of Denmark.
Lead author Anne Raben from the University of Copenhagen stated, “Our findings support the use of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) found in many foods and beverages worldwide as alternatives to sugar-sweetened products to help manage weight control in adults with overweight.”
The study involved a year-long analysis of obese children and adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Participants were divided into two groups, with one group following a healthy diet with less than 10 percent of energy from added sugar by S&SE, while the other group was placed on a healthy diet with less than 10 percent of energy from added sugar, excluding S&SE.
Questionnaires were completed at two, six, and 12 months to assess the effects of S&SEs on diet satisfaction and measure changes in weight, BMI by age, and risk markers for type 2 diabetes and cholesterol.
The research showed that adults consuming S&SEs had slightly better weight loss maintenance after one year than the sugar group, with an average weight loss of about 16 pounds compared to 12 pounds. While the majority of children did not experience a weight loss difference, those allowed to consume S&SEs had lower levels of uncontrolled eating at 12 months. Additionally, participants who consumed S&SEs were more likely to decrease their intake of sugary foods and beverages over time.
The benefits of switching to sweeteners were found to last longer than the study period, with positive effects impacting the participants for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults, without increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the research found that switching to sweeteners did not impact the markers for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The new research is expected to be shared at The European Congress on Obesity, and it provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of low-calorie sweeteners for weight management and overall health.
