This discovery has sparked controversy, as there has long been debate about whether it is better to consume sugar or artificial sweeteners when trying to lose weight.
The World Health Organization guidelines recommend against using sweeteners for weight loss, based on previous reviews indicating that the benefits of reducing body fat do not outweigh the risks of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
However, a new study conducted in the Netherlands showed that replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners may lead to an additional weight loss of approximately 1.3 kg per year, and can also alter the composition of the gut microbiota—the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses responsible for digestion. These changes included an increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gases produced from the fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates, which may contribute to appetite regulation and weight loss.
The trial involved 325 adults with an average age of 47 and 36 children with an average age of 10. Participants were randomly assigned to two diets: one replacing sugary foods with artificial sweeteners, and the other consuming regular sugar. For the first two months, the children focused on maintaining their weight, while the adults were assigned a program to lose 5% of their initial weight, followed by a 10-month program that allowed for food choices within a healthy eating plan.
The results showed weight loss in both groups, with a slight increase in weight loss of approximately 1.6 kg in the sweetener group. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis of 137 adult participants after 12 months revealed an increase in bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids and methane in the sweetener group.
Regarding risk factors for heart disease, adults in the sweetener group experienced a greater decrease in body mass index (BMI) and levels of good and bad cholesterol, while no difference in BMI was observed in children. However, the sweetener group reported more side effects, such as abdominal cramps, loose stools, and increased intestinal gas.
The researchers confirmed that the study provides the first evidence that artificial sweeteners positively affect gut microbiota and weight control, with relatively neutral effects on metabolic health.
This comes at a time when other experts have warned that some artificial sweeteners, such as erythritol, may cause blood clots and inflammation, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The study was published in the journal Nature Metabolism.