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New Research Finds Reducing Overall Calories Key for Weight Loss Efforts

ATLANTA (January 17, 2014) — A study published today by the American Journal of Public Health has found that overweight and obese adults need to think about reducing their overall caloric intake in order to lose and maintain weight.

In the study, the authors examined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999-2010 and found that:
  • Overweight and obese adults were more likely to consume diet beverages, but that reducing calories from beverages alone was not enough — calories from all sources of the diet need to be modified for weight loss. At the same time, this group was also more likely to consume more calories from solid food than healthy weight adults.
  • Healthy weight adults who drank diet beverages consumed fewer calories overall as compared to healthy weight consumers of other beverages. Healthy weight diet beverages consumers also consumed fewer calories from solid foods and beverages as compared to other healthy weight adults.
In conclusion, the researchers said “overweight and obese adults who drink diet beverages and who are looking to lose weight will likely need to reduce their caloric intake from solid foods to maintain or control their body weight.”  Theresa Hedrick, nutritionist for the Calorie Control Council, agrees. “Low-calorie sweeteners are tools to assist people in weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet when it comes to losing weight; individuals need to reduce their caloric intake from all sources in order to effectively lose and maintain weight.”
Other statements from the study authors however, should be interpreted with caution, especially those associating overweight with diet sodas. It is more likely that people who are overweight are consuming diet sodas to help them lose weight.  The notion that a diet beverage (something without calories) would cause weight gain is not supported by science.  In addition, the author’s allegation that low-calorie sweeteners may result in greater food intake and cravings was not part of the research study design and is purely speculative.
The results of the current study do not support these allegations and there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims. “Numerous studies have concluded that low-calorie sweeteners do not lead to increased sugar cravings or lead to weight gain,” says Haley Curtis Stevens, Ph.D., president of the Calorie Control Council. “Low-calorie sweeteners can help people enjoy the foods and beverages they like while helping them manage their weight.”
faq2Do you have questions about low-calorie sweeteners? Want to learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle? You asked and we listened. Our resident Registered Dietitians answered the most popular questions about low-calorie sweeteners.

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