Artificial sweeteners lead to weight gain finds new research

People who are diet conscious try to remain away from sugar as much as possible. but then did you know that artificial sweeteners are also bad for our bodies? A new research claims that sugar alternative can actually contribute to weight gain.

A new large-scale study was conducted on the effects of the sugar substitute which found that consumption of artificial sweeteners could lead to chances of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.

Scientists from yhe University of Manitoba, Canada conducted the research. In the research, more than 400,000 people were analysed for an average period of 10 years.

“The results showed a statistically significant association between consumption of artificial sweeteners and higher risks of diabetes and heart disease, as well as increased weight gain,” lead author of the study, Dr Megan Azad said.

On the contrary, executives of soft drinks industry told that artificial sweeteners had been 'deemed safe' by health regulators which included the US Food and Drug Administration's approval.

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic food additives. Mimic sugar gets a sweet taste from these additives, while they contain fewer calories. The new research rubbishes the claims made by by the products containing artificial sweeteners that these have intended weight loss benefits. These products are labelled as 'reduced sugar' or 'diet.'

"Despite the fact that millions of individuals routinely consume artificial sweeteners, relatively few patients have been included in clinical trials of these products,” says the Canadian Medical Institution’s Professor Ryan Zarychanshi.

However, the study says the evidence was conflicting with Dr Azad adding: “caution is warranted until the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners are fully characterised.”

"Given the widespread and increasing use of artificial sweeteners, and the current epidemic of obesity and related diseases, more research is needed to determine the long-term risks and benefits of these products,” Dr Azad added.

Director of the British Soft Drinks Association, Gavin Partington said: "These claims, from the University of Manitoba, run contrary to the substantial body of scientific research which shows how low-calorie sweeteners can help people to reduce their calorie intake and manage their weight."