WHO Warns Against Non-Sugar Sweeteners in Latest Guidelines, Here’s What You Need to Know

In the latest guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) to lose weight or reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases is discouraged. These sweeteners, considered a low-calorie alternative to sugar, have gained popularity in recent years. However, the WHO warns that long-term use of NSS is associated with diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adults. Common examples of non-sugar sweeteners include acesulfame K, aspartame, sucralose, and stevia derivatives.

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Here are four important points to understand from the WHO guidelines:

1. Non-sugar sweeteners do not aid in weight loss: Contrary to popular belief, the guidelines emphasize that replacing free sugars with NSS does not contribute to long-term weight control. Instead, people are encouraged to consume naturally occurring sugars found in fruits or opt for unsweetened food and beverages.
2. Non-sugar sweeteners lack nutritional value: The guidelines highlight that NSS are not essential dietary factors and offer no nutritional benefits. To improve overall health, it is recommended to reduce the overall sweetness in the diet, starting from an early age.
3. Non-sugar sweeteners may not benefit individuals with diabetes: While the recommendations apply to most individuals, those with pre-existing diabetes may have different considerations. The guidelines encompass both synthetic and naturally occurring non-nutritive sweeteners found in processed foods and beverages.
4. Exclusions from the guidelines: The WHO guidelines do not apply to sugar and sugar derivatives in personal care products or low-calorie sugars and sugar alcohols. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects associated with the long-term use of non-sugar sweeteners.

Considering the side effects and limited benefits, experts suggest minimizing the consumption of non-sugar sweeteners. It is advised to train our taste buds to reduce the craving for sugar, starting from childhood, as excessive sugar consumption is linked to various lifestyle diseases. Natural sugar substitutes like jaggery should also be consumed in moderation due to their calorie content.

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