Findings from the SWITCH Study 

A new study, “Non-Nutritive Sweetened Beverages Versus Water After a 52-week Weight Management Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” set out to compare the effects of non-nutritive sweetened (NNS) beverages and water on body weight. As part of the larger SWITCH study, the current study was published in the Obesity Journal, and reports results following both the 12-week active weight loss and 40-week weight maintenance phases. The results were recently presented at The Obesity Society’s Obesity Week conference.

Key findings from the 52-week and 104-week studies:

Following a description of the rationale and design of the SWITCH trial, Dr. Halford shared 52- and 104-week results, which including the following:

52-Weeks (Active Weight Loss Phase + Assisted Weight Maintenance Phase)

• 262 completed week 52 (53.1%)
• Significant weight loss for both groups (-6.1kg Water, -7.5kg NNS at 52WK); Significantly greater weight loss with NNS vs Water, with 1.4kg difference just under clinical significance (1.5kg)
• Biomarkers
  • Significant improvements in both groups
  • HDL cholesterol modestly but significantly increased with NNS
• iDXA
  • Fat and fat-free mass, and android and gynoid fat distribution significantly decreased in both groups
• Appetite
  • Hunger – no significant differences
  • Sweetener consumption was significantly reduced with Water, while sugar consumption reduced with both groups
• Experience
  • No Significant differences
• Activity
  • Steps increased with NNS from baseline but no significant difference between groups

104-Weeks (Active Weight Loss Phase + Assisted Weight Maintenance Phase + Follow-Up)‎

• 220 completed week 104 (44.6%)
• Significant weight loss for both groups (-3.7kg Water, -4.8kg NNS); No significant differences between NNS and Water groups
• Biomarkers
  • Total and HDL cholesterol significantly increased with NNS
  • Significant differences between Water (decrease) and NNS (increase) for HbA,
• iDXA
  • Fat mass, fat-free mass, and android and gynoid fat distribution significanti decreased in both groups
• Appetite
  • Hunger – increased for both groups but significantly only with NNS
  • Sweetener consumption was significantly reduced with Water
  • Sugar consumption significantly reduced with both groups

In terms of implications, the SWITCH Trial adds to the body of data available on the effects of sweeteners. Following the trial, participants maintained a significant weight loss over one year, saw improvements in various health markers and had reduced sugar consumption. The findings suggest that both water and NNS beverages can successfully be used as aids in weight loss, with no detriment, after one year.

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