Diet Drink Sweeteners Don't Actually Help Your Diet
Artificial sweeteners have become a staple part of a diet for those trying to lose weight, however, according to a recent study the sweeteners may not be helping as much as originally thought.
A recent study published earlier this year found that roughly 41% of adults use artificial sweeteners, and do so in hopes of losing weight. Even more people than the reported number ingest artificial sweeteners, however, because the sweeteners are unknowingly placed in many yogurts and protein bars. The sweeteners in question, aspartame and sucralose, were of particular interest to researchers due to their link in consumer psychology of purchasing goods containing the sweeteners, thinking they would lose weight due to its lack of fattening sugar content. Despite this thought process, however, researchers have found that the majority of those who use artificial sweeteners are more likely to develop health problems or gain weight.
The review, which was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, looked at over 37 studies regarding health and habits of over 1,000 people who incorporated sweeteners in their diets. The studies found a small increase in the BMI of sweetener users, a 14% chance of later being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and a 32% chance of undergoing a cardiovascular event compared to moderate and low-frequency users. The reason for these increased risks are most likely due to the increase in appetite for sugary foods, due to the sugar like taste that sweeteners provide. While more research needs to be conducted in regards to the link between sweeteners and poor side effects, refraining from sugary, or sugar like foods, should remain a key strategy in maintaining weight loss.
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