An artificial sweetener can be classified as a food additive that mimics the sweetness of sugar but typically provides fewer calories.  Indeed, in most cases, the basic purpose of an artificial sweetener is to replace sugar and on whole reduce ones intake of calories! Therefore, when used as a replacement to sugars, in food and for sweetening beverages, it is believed to promote weight loss! This is because artificial sweeteners, when compared to sugar, contain little to no calories. However, in recent decades rumors and concerns have been circulating in the air regarding the true benefits of artificial sweeteners and weight loss. A major concern being that, artificial sweeteners may not truly be aiding weight loss.

Types of Artificial Sweeteners

There are now many types of artificial sweeteners available in the market making one in need to be very careful of what they purchase. May Clinic has listed several types of artificial sweeteners which have been approved by the US Food and Drug Acossiation, such as Sucralose, Sorbitol, Saccharin, Aspartame, Stevia, Neotame, Isomalt, Acesulfame Potassium and Lacitol. Most of which are even available in consumer packaged goods.

Artificial Sweeteners Relationship to Weight Gain

Artificial sweeteners, although known for their purported role in aiding weight loss, can also contribute to weight gain. When you consume something sweet, whether from sugar or artificial sweetener, your body will automatically forestall calories. However unlike sugar, artificial sugar does not deliver or provide units of energy as expected by the body, therefore after a while you will begin to feeling hungry again as you have not been sustained. As a result you eat more and hence a gain in your weight. Artificial sweeteners are also known to decrease the body’s metabolism as it has an effect on the body’s temperature. With the consumption of normal calorie containing food, the body’s temperature rises at the food contains stimulating substances which result in such a rise. This relationship however is absent with the consumption of artificial sweeteners. Therefore making your body store calories which can eventually lead up to weight gain.

Artificial Sweeteners Relationship to Weight Loss

However, there is still hope of weight loss via the consumption of artificial sweeteners. A decrease of caloric intake may well be able to gain a caloric deficit which is extremely helpful in promoting weight loss! If you are on whole able to reduce you intake of calories, in addition to working out, then you will be able to succeed with your goal of weight loss!