Do Artificial Sweeteners Cause Weight Gain

Remember Tab?

I just googled it and it was only discontinued in 2020.

I remember when it was the diet craze. I don’t know what was used as a sweetener in it but I always thought it was horrible. I drank my share of Diet Coke and Diet Mountain Dew but Tab? Never!

I switched to water a few years ago – much easier.

If, on the rare occasion I want my coffee a little sweet, I use sugar.

I like sugar…..

Mon mari, on the other hand, loves his sweetener, but he only has it in his breakfast coffee.

As it’s not anything I’ve actively used I’ve never questioned it – good or bad.

Read on for some info…..

Artificial Sweeteners And Weight Gain

Sugar cravings are common among many people. People enjoy eating indulgent desserts with a lot of sugar which can quickly add to their calorie count. 

Therefore, people always feel guilty when having desserts or any sweets. Along with the cravings is the fear attached to eating too much sugar, as it is known to lead to many health issues.

It is where artificial sweeteners come to play. They claim to satisfy your cravings for all things sweet without the addition of sugar.

If you are thinking of using an artificial sweetener as an alternative to sugar, it is time to rethink.

What Are Artificial Sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes that give a taste similar to sugar. It is preferred by many because they get to taste the sweeteners without the feeling that they are consuming sugar.

People also think that artificial sweeteners are healthy alternatives to sugar, although this may not be true.

Artificial sweeteners are generally used by people who want to lose weight or follow a healthy lifestyle.

Different Types Of Artificial Sweeteners

There are several types of artificial sweeteners. These are all capable of stimulating your taste buds. The following are some of the most common types of artificial sweeteners available.

• Sucralose
• Saccharin
• Acesulfame potassium
• Aspartame
• Neotame

Some people confuse certain low-calorie sweeteners processed from natural ingredients to be artificial sweeteners. Zero-calorie sweeteners, including stevia and sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol, are examples of these substitutes that are processed from natural ingredients.

Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe To Use?

There are mixed reviews about the safety of artificial sweeteners and how it impacts human health. These sugar substitutes are believed to have links to many serious health issues and diseases such as the following. However, more research needs to be done to confirm these health risks. 

• Intestinal gas
• Weight gain
• Bloating
• Bladder cancer
• Brain tumor and many more.

More on the health effects of artificial sweeteners later.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Artificial Sweeteners

Not everything about artificial sweeteners is negative. There are benefits and drawbacks to using these sugar substitutes to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Advantages

• It gives sweetness without adding sugar
• It has fewer calories than sugar

Disadvantages

• Believed to be linked with several serious health issues
• It leads to overeating which can be a cause of weight gain
• Made of chemicals as opposed to sugar which is a natural substance
• Can change the body’s metabolic rate
• It might collect in the gastrointestinal tract

What Do Artificial Sweeteners Do To Your Body?

These are the effects that consuming artificial sweeteners can have on your body. But, of course, it’s up to you to decide if artificial sweeteners are worth trying instead of sugar.

Effect On Appetite

Studies show that artificial sweeteners can make you build an appetite and crave for sugary food. However, since these substitutes don’t add up on calories, it could lead to eating more food to fill up your stomach. Likewise, overeating can lead to the addition of more calories through the food you eat.

If you are craving food, there is a healthy way to deal with it. The use of meal replacement shakes without artificial sweeteners does not cause weight gain. These ready-made healthy meal replacements can save you a ton of time.

Sugar Cravings

Although there is no sugar, artificial sweeteners taste extremely sweet. Some people claim that these substitutes taste much sweeter than sugar. Regular use of artificial sweeteners may lead to more sugar cravings. The more you consume sweeteners, the more you will want them.

Effect On Body Weight

Artificial sweeteners claim they promote weight loss. However, there are mixed reviews on this fact. Studies show that the use of sweeteners does not lead to weight gain. However, increased appetite and sugar cravings can lead to overeating, directly linked to weight gain.

Effect On Metabolism

Some studies conducted on artificial sweeteners claim that these sugar substitutes can increase the risk of metabolic conditions. These conditions are heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Impact On Brain Health

According to research, artificial sweeteners cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt hippocampal functionality. As a result, it can cause changes in your appetite, which leads to increased food intake. 

These sugar substitutes are also believed to cause brain tumors due to the chemicals included in them. However, more research needs to be conducted to confirm this fact.

Link To Diabetes

Artificial sweeteners are associated with glucose intolerance and disruption in gut bacteria. Gut bacteria are the bacteria in your intestine which is important for your health. Moreover, glucose intolerance raises blood sugar levels, putting you at a higher risk for diabetes

.

Link To Gastrointestinal Issues

Chemicals in artificial sweeteners can cause gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is associated with bloating and abdominal pain. In addition, it decreases your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the food you consume, which can affect the immune system and lead to chronic inflammatory disorders.

Conclusion

The use of artificial sweeteners can cause more harm than consuming sugar. It can lead to an increase in appetite, which makes you gain weight. 

You should ensure not to overeat if you use artificial sweeteners. It will then help you control your weight and reap the actual benefits of these sugar substitutes.

Therefore, it’s up to you to decide if you want to use artificial sweeteners or prefer to stick with natural sugar. It all depends on how you control your cravings and manage your appetite as well.

FAQs

Do Artificial Sweeteners Cause Water Retention?

Artificial sweeteners may cause or contribute to fluid retention. However, more studies need to be conducted to confirm this.

How Much Artificial Sweetener Should I Consume Per Day?

The recommended daily intake of artificial sweeteners is 50 milligrams for each kilogram of body weight. For example, a person weighing 150 pounds can safely consume 3,409 milligrams of artificial sweeteners per day.

What Happens If I Stop Using Artificial Sweeteners?

In some instances, you may experience mood swings, depression, panic attacks, excessive perspiration, and rapid heartbeat after you stop using artificial sweeteners.