Mixed
Routine consumption of nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) is associated with modest long-term increases in BMI, weight, and waist circumference, as well as higher incidence of obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular events in observational studies.
If you consume nonnutritive sweeteners regularly, be aware that observational studies link this habit to modest increases in BMI, waist circumference, and risk of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. While short-term trials don't show weight gain, long-term data suggests a correlation. Focus on overall diet quality rather than just swapping sugar for sweeteners.
In the cohort studies, consumption of nonnutritive sweeteners was associated with increases in weight and waist circumference, and higher incidence of obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events.
Why this rating
RCTs showed no consistent effect, but large cohort studies showed significant associations; however, publication bias was noted for diabetes outcomes.
Source
Nonnutritive sweeteners and cardiometabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies
Meghan B. Azad et al. · Canadian Medical Association Journal · 2017
DOI 10.1503/cmaj.161390
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