WHO Advises Against Using Sugar-Free Sweeteners for Weight Loss
WHO Issues Recommendation Against the Use of Sugar-Free Sweeteners for Weight Control
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a new guidance on the use of sugar-free sweeteners. The article advises that synthetic and naturally-occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners should not be used for weight control or risk reduction of non-communicable diseases. The recommendation is based on a systematic review of the available data which revealed that the use of sugar-free sweeteners does not provide any long-term benefits in reducing body fat in adults or children. Additionally, the guidelines pointed out that long-term use of sugar-free sweeteners can lead to health problems such as increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and death.
The WHO’s recommended restriction not only encompasses those without pre-existing diabetes but also applies to every sugar-free sweetener, whether synthetic or naturally occurring. However, the recommendation excludes low-calorie sugars and personal care products such as toothpaste, skin cream, and medicines containing sugar-free sweeteners. Labeling these as potentially containing calorie-containing sugars or sugar derivatives and, therefore, it is not included in the restriction.
Francesco Branca, WHO Director of Nutrition and Food Safety, stated in the guidelines that sugar-free sweeteners are not diet products and have no nutritional value. Using sugar-free sweeteners instead of natural sugars, such as fruit, will not assist in weight control in the long term. The director suggested that people should reconsider their options before consuming naturally occurring sugars or sugar-free foods and beverages to reduce their sugar intake.
To improve global health, the WHO recommends reducing the risk of chronic diseases by facilitating suitable dietary habits and decreasing the prevalence of the different risk factors contributing to a disease’s development. The new recommendations form part of the WHO’s efforts to educate the public on health issues and promote healthy living, which will lead to a higher quality of life.
