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Jul 03, 2023

Artificial sweeteners aren’t good for weight loss, WHO says

Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios The World Health Organization isn't sweet on

Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios

The World Health Organization isn't sweet on non-sugar sweeteners, the agency announced.

Driving the news: It advised against using sugar substitutes like Splenda, stevia and Sweet'n Low for weight loss — and warned about potential long-term health risks of too much intake.

Why it matters: Artificial sweeteners have grown in popularity, largely because consumers consider them a healthier alternative to sugar.

The big picture: The WHO recommendation comes on the heels of the agency's review of studies on non-sugar sweeteners, which found no clear consensus on whether they are effective for weight loss or maintenance.

An International Sweeteners Association spokesperson told Axios they're "disappointed that the WHO's conclusions are largely based on low certainty evidence from observational studies."

Between the lines: Part of the potential issue with sugar substitutes is that they could spur unhealthy eating behaviors.

Zoom in: Unlike sugar, sugar substitutes have no nutritional value, said Francesco Branca, WHO director for nutrition and food safety.

Be smart: This doesn't mean to necessarily avoid all sweetened foods.

Go deeper: How sugar substitutes can disrupt metabolic health

🎧 Listen to Axios Today, our daily podcast, to hear me discuss this story with guest host Emily Peck. Hear the episode for free.

Editor's note: This story was updated to include a response from the International Sweeteners Association.