WHO discourages use of sugar substitutes for weight loss

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against using sugar substitutes for weight loss, citing a systematic review of available evidence that suggests non-sugar sweeteners do not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. The review also indicated that there might be potential undesirable effects from the long-term use of sugar substitutes such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. WHO recommends reducing the sweetness of the diet altogether, starting early in life, to improve health.