WHO warned against using non-sugar sweetners for weight loss; here's the truth about the sugar substitutes

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned against using sugar substitutes to control body weight or reduce the risk of non-communicable disease. (Image: News18 Creative)

Non-sugar sweetners are the one that contain few to no calories but have a higher intensity of sweetness per gram than sweetners with calories. (Image: News18 Creative)

On May 15, 2023, WHO released a new guideline on non-sugar sweetners (NSS). The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence. (Image: News18 Creative)

All synthethic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweetners that are not classified as sugars found in manufactured foods and beverages, or sold on their own to be added to foods and beverages by consumers. (Image: News18 Creative)

The WHO recommendation doesn’t extend as far as personal care and hygiene products that include artificial sugars such as toothpaste, skin creams and medications. (Image: News18 Creative)

A study published in The BMJ in 2019 reviewed many studies on the topic of non-sugar sweetners. The review found that artificial sweetners offer no health benefits. (Image: News18 Creative)

The best option is to reduce the sweetners of the diet and develop a habit of consuming less sugar. (Image: News18 Creative)

The American Heart Association recommends women should take no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar in a day and men should not take more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar in a day. (Image: News18 Creative)