What are the health benefits and risks of artificial sweeteners?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 20-year-old girl struggling with obesity, and seeking healthier ways to control my sugar cravings and manage my weight. I have heard a lot about using sugar substitutes and drinking diet soda, but I am unsure if these are truly effective or safe alternatives. Can you help me understand how artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sugar alcohols compare to natural options like stevia in terms of calorie content, potential health risks, and actual weight loss benefits? I want to make sustainable changes to my diet, but I am worried about replacing sugar with things that could have unintended metabolic effects. Any insights you can provide will help a lot.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Navigating sugar cravings and managing weight can be challenging, but making informed choices about sugar substitutes can help.

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin, as well as sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol, are lower in calories and can used in moderation for weight management. But few studies, suggest that it may cause metabolic issues and may cause gastric issues including bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially when consumed in large amounts. They may also have a laxative effect and increase hunger.

You can consider natural sugar substitutes like stevia and monk fruit which is considered safe in moderation.

Additionally, plan for calorie counting, consume more protein, and work out for better results.

Also do plan for basic health check-ups including;

-CBC(complete blood count).

-TFT(thyroid function tests).

-USG(ultrasonography) abdomen.

-LFT(liver function tests).

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.