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Sugar substitutes for weight loss, why WHO advises against them

The World Health Organisation has issued new guidelines urging against the use of sugar substitutes when trying to lose weight.

According to the WHO, in fact, new evidence suggests that the use of non-sugar sweeteners does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in both adults and children. Loss may occur in the short term but will not be sustained.

The new guidelines also mention potential undesirable effects of long-term use of sugar substitutes. These include a slight increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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New WHO guidelines on sugar substitutes
The World Health Organisation has issued new guidelines urging against the use of sugar substitutes when trying to lose weight. According to the WHO, in fact, new evidence suggests that the use of non-sugar sweeteners does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in both adults and children. Loss may occur in the short term but will not be sustained.
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Negative effects of long-term use
The new guidelines also mention potential undesirable effects of long-term use of sugar substitutes. These include a slight increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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The growth of interest in sugar substitutes.
Non-sugar sweeteners are now widely used as an ingredient in pre-packaged foods and beverages and are sometimes even added to foods and beverages directly by consumers. The latest guidelines issued by the WHO in 2015 recommended reducing the daily intake of free sugars to less than 10%. Hence the growing interest in sugar substitutes.
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Expert advice
According to nutrition researcher Ian Johnson, researcher emeritus at Quadram Institute Bioscience, the WHO guidance should not be interpreted as an indication that sugar intake has no relevance for weight control. However, it would be very helpful to reduce the use of sugary drinks and try to consume raw or lightly processed fruit.
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The studies used
To obtain the new guidelines, the WHO used the results of 283 studies. The recommendations concern both so-called natural and artificial sweeteners.
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