Are Low-Calorie Sweeteners Effective in Weight Management?

An increasing number of Americans have turned to low-calorie diet and drinks as an effective tool to losing weight and maintaining weight loss. Recently, an article was published claiming that low-calorie sweeteners have the negative impact of weakening people’s response to sweet tastes. The belief is that when the body wants sugar but receives a substitute, it still wants the sugar and a person may eat more. This could result in weight gain. These findings came as a shock to most consumers. Therefore, the major question that still remains is whether low-calorie sweeteners are an effective tool for weight management.

Clinical evidence has shown the effectiveness of low-calorie sweeteners in reducing the rate of calorie intake. For example, a study carried out in the year 1982 involving six-normal weight subjects showed a reduction in caloric intake by 25%, after substituting all menu items containing sucrose with aspartame-sweetened substitutes. In another study that involved obese adults, administration of low-calorie sweeteners resulted in a reduction in their caloric intake and an overall reduction in their weight. In another study, researchers found that drinking a soda sweetened with aspartame minimized the rate of calorie and sugar intake in both men and women. From these studies, it is clear that beverages and foods that contain low-calorie sweeteners can serve as effective tools to dieting and managing excessive weight.

A Healthful Lifestyle

Basically, a healthful lifestyle can be achieved by consuming a balanced diet that is nutrient-rich and not exceeding the individual calorie requirements. This should be coupled with regular physical exercises or activity. Low or no-calorie options are available for people who want to enjoy sweetened beverage or food choices. Generally, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to attain optimal health.