On May 15th, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended in its newly released guidelines not to use non-sugar sweeteners, also known as artificial sweeteners, for weight control. This is undoubtedly a significant event regarding the application of non-sugar sweeteners. Prior to this, although there were frequent doubts about the effectiveness of artificial sweeteners, none of those doubts garnered as much attention as this recent WHO statement. This declaration might disappoint individuals who were relying on the intake of artificial sweeteners to lower the risk of diet-related diseases.
Perhaps stemming from this disappointment, many people expressed confusion about the new guideline recommendations. It is widely known that excessive sugar consumption not only contributes to weight gain but also affects health, correlating with dental caries, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Controlling sugar intake and reducing sugar consumption are considered the path to a healthy lifestyle. Artificial sweeteners, which satisfy people’s desire for sweetness while being low in or devoid of calories, have always had a positive image in many people’s minds. Advertising slogans like “0 sugar, 0 calories, 0 burden” promote their association with health.
However, the harsh reality suggests that when it comes to achieving a healthy body and a slim figure, artificial sweeteners cannot be of significant help.
