New research presented at the annual European Congress on Obesity suggests that replacing sugar with low or no-calorie sweeteners could aid weight management after rapid weight loss without increasing the risk of diabetes or heart disease. The study, known as the SWEET project, involved a one-year trial with 341 adults and 38 children who were overweight or obese. Participants who consumed sweeteners as part of a healthy, low-sugar diet reported greater diet satisfaction, improved mood, reduced cravings for sweet foods, and slightly better weight maintenance after one year compared to those who avoided sweeteners.
The SWEET project aimed to determine whether incorporating sweeteners into a healthy diet following rapid weight loss could contribute to long-term weight management. Participants followed a low-calorie diet for the first two months to lose at least 5% of their weight, and then were split into two groups for the next 10 months. Group A included sweeteners in their diet, while Group B avoided sweeteners. Both groups followed a healthy diet with less than 10% of calories from added sugar. Questionnaires about diet, eating habits, physical activity, and quality of life were completed by participants throughout the study, and their weight, body measurements, and markers for diabetes and heart disease were measured at various intervals.
After 6 months, the group consuming sweeteners reported greater diet satisfaction, improved mood, and reduced cravings for sweet foods. However, after 12 months, the group that avoided sweeteners showed an increased liking for other calorie-containing sweet foods. There were no significant differences in markers for diabetes and heart disease between the two groups, suggesting that sweeteners may not increase the risk of these conditions. The researchers noted that more research involving a larger number of children would be necessary to determine the effects of sweeteners on younger individuals.
While some experts recommend replacing sugar with low or no-calorie sweeteners to aid weight management, there is ongoing debate about the safety and effectiveness of sweeteners for human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has conducted a systematic review suggesting that non-sugar sweeteners may not effectively aid long-term weight control and could potentially increase the risk of health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. However, the evidence linking sweeteners to disease outcomes is still limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand their impact on health.
Courtney Pelitera, a registered dietitian, emphasized the importance of diet satisfaction when recommending sweeteners as sugar replacements for weight management. She noted that the positive findings of the SWEET project could help individuals understand the benefits of sweeteners for supporting long-term weight maintenance after weight loss. The study’s results may provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals working with clients to improve their eating habits and maintain a healthy diet for long-term success. Further research on the long-term health effects of sweeteners is still needed to clarify their role in weight management and overall health.
