The World Health Organization advises against using artificial sweeteners for those aiming to lose weight. The organization notes that sugar substitutes do not meaningfully aid weight loss and may pose health risks. This stance from WHO has been reported widely.
New WHO guidelines caution that long-term use of sugar substitutes can lead to drawbacks. Potential risks highlighted include a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even premature mortality.
The review concludes that consuming foods and beverages containing substances such as saccharin or sucralose does not provide lasting reductions in body fat for either adults or children.
The recommendations did not cover individuals who already have diabetes; this group was not included in the study.
Francesco Branca, the WHO Director of Nutrition and Food Safety, advises people to look at other approaches to cut free sugar intake. He suggests choosing natural sugars found in fruit or opting for sugar-free options when appropriate.
Among the sweeteners examined by WHO researchers were acesulfame K, aspartame, advantam, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, and derivatives of stevia.
Earlier this year, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic reported that higher blood levels of erythritol correlate with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke and with a higher rate of premature death. The study involved about 4,000 participants and indicated that this sugar substitute may promote blood clot formation. The findings appeared in Nature Medicine.