The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised people not to consume nonsugar sweeteners if they are attempting to control their body weight.
The health agency said the latest recommendation is based on the “findings of a systematic review of the available evidence,” which it said suggests that nonsugar sweeteners—including acesulfame potassium, aspartame, advantame, cyclamate, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, and stevia derivatives—do not confer any long-term benefit to reduce body fat in adults and children.
According to the agency, the findings of the 283 unique studies that were reviewed also showed that there may be “potential undesirable effects” from the long-term use of these sweeteners, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults….