### Are Alternative Sweeteners Effective for Weight Loss and Disease Prevention? If you're trying to lose weight and prevent chronic diseases, you might consider using low- or no-calorie sweeteners instead of regular sugar. However, a study published in January 2019 in The BMJ found no significant health benefits from choosing these alternative sweeteners. These include artificial sweeteners like aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal), saccharin (Sweet ’N Low), and sucralose (Splenda), as well as natural ones like stevia (Truvia, Sweetleaf). The study also couldn't rule out potential harms from these products. Dr. Joerg Meerpohl, the head of the Institute for Evidence in Medicine at the University of Freiburg in Germany, stated, “While nonsugar sweeteners are very widely used, there is no good and unambiguous evidence that they are good for your health.” This means that while there might be some small benefits, they are not a magic solution. The Food and Drug Administration considers these sweeteners safe if consumed within acceptable daily intake levels. They are commonly added to diet drinks, baked goods, frozen desserts, candy, light yogurt, and chewing gum. However, Dr. Meerpohl advises that there is no convincing evidence for health benefits, and people should consider whether they want to consume these sweeteners, especially in large quantities. The study, conducted by Cochrane, reviewed 56 studies that measured the impact of nonsugar sweeteners on various health outcomes in adults and children. The results showed no significant reduction in weight or disease risk, although there were small improvements in body mass index (BMI) and fasting glucose levels. In children, there was a smaller increase in BMI among those who consumed nonsugar sweeteners compared to sugar, but no difference in body weight. While some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners might contribute to metabolic syndrome and obesity, others, like the American Diabetes Association, recommend them for people with diabetes because they contain fewer calories and carbs. Dr. Betul Hatipoglu from the Cleveland Clinic advises using artificial sweeteners in moderation. Dr. Osama Hamdy from Harvard Medical School also recommends nonsugar sweeteners over sugar but notes that there is no compelling evidence of significant health benefits beyond some weight reduction. In summary, while alternative sweeteners might help prevent blood sugar spikes, their effectiveness for weight loss and disease prevention is still uncertain. More research is needed to fully understand their impact on health.