It is not recommended to use sweeteners to lose weight or reduce the risk of diseases. This is recommended by the new WHO Guidelines, based on a review of studies that show that the use of non-sugar sweeteners "does not bring any long-term benefit in reducing fat", while it could lead to "potential side effects", "such as an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults".

Sweeteners with little or no calories "are safe to use, are one of the most studied ingredients in the world and have been approved by all major safety bodies". "It is a disservice to public health not to recognize its role in contributing to weight control."

WHO: no benefit on weight

The document advises against the use of sweeteners for "weight control", but also for the "reduction of the risk of non-communicable diseases", this is because many consumers use sweeteners in the belief that they are useful to avoid diseases such as diabetes. The WHO note is based on a systematic review of available scientific studies (the 200-page paper cites 500 studies) and suggests that "the use of sweeteners (including those added to so-called "light" drinks) does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children".

The WHO recommendation "applies to all people, except those with diabetes, and includes all synthetic sweeteners, naturally occurring or modified, that are not classified as sugars found in foods or beverages," namely "acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia and stevia derivatives." While it does not apply to products such as toothpastes or medications. "Replacing free sugars with non-sugary sweeteners - says Francesco Branca, WHO Director for Nutrition and Food Safety - does not help to control weight in the long term. People should consider other ways to reduce sugar intake, namely the consumption of foods with natural sugars, such as fruit, or unsweetened foods and drinks."

Risk of other diseases

There are other negative effects of the consumption of sweeteners: the Israeli Weizmann Institute of Science has shown their ability to alter the intestinal microbiota, worsening bacterial biodiversity and consequently also worsening insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, which are the first risk factors for the development of diabetes 2.Finally, the same WHO review focuses on "potential side effects with long-term use of NSS (Non-sugar) sweeteners), for example an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults".

The reaction of the International Sweeteners Association

The defense by the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) is firm. These guidelines, he explains, "should have been based on the set of available evidence and interpreted taking into account the weight of scientific evidence "while the WHO "could only conclude a conditional recommendation, which is not rigorous from a scientific point of view".

The ISA joins others, including government agencies from around the world, who responded to the public consultation on the draft guidelines published by WHO in July 2022, expressing concerns about the conclusions and rationale provided by WHO. Over the years, ISA President Bob Peterson said, "food and beverage companies have reformulated products as part of a global effort to follow public health recommendations for sugar reduction" and "allow people to enjoy foods and drinks with fewer calories." The benefits of sweeteners, "are now established". A large body of solid scientific evidence shows its "role in the fight against obesity", offers "people with diabetes an important alternative to sugar" and their use helps protect teeth from tooth decay.