Long-Term Artificial Sweetener Intake Tied to Obesity Risk

THURSDAY, Aug. 10, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Long-term intakes of artificial sweetener (ArtSw), including aspartame, saccharin, or diet soda, may increase fat volume and risk for incident obesity, according to a study published online July 13 in the International Journal of Obesity.

Brian T. Steffen, Ph.D., from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in Minneapolis, and colleagues assessed whether habitual, long-term ArtSw or diet beverage intakes are related to greater adipose tissue depot volumes and anthropometry-related outcomes. The analysis included 3,088 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults cohort, who were followed for 25 years.

The researchers found that total ArtSw, aspartame, saccharin, and diet beverage intakes were positively associated with volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes. However, no associations were seen for sucralose intake. Total ArtSw, saccharin, aspartame, and diet beverage intakes also were associated with greater body mass index, body weight, and waist circumference, as well as increases during follow-up. ArtSw, including diet soda, was associated with a greater risk for incident obesity during a median 17.5-year follow-up, with the exception of saccharin.

"These findings underscore the importance of finding alternatives to artificial sweeteners in foods and beverages, especially since these added sweeteners may have negative health consequences," principal investigator Lyn Steffen, Ph.D., M.P.H., also from the University of Minnesota, said in a statement.

Several authors disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract/Full Text