ATLANTA (June 13, 2013) — A study showed that high sugar intake may be linked to weight gain, but only because it leads to excessive caloric intake; not because of anything particular about the properties of sugar. The systematic review and meta-analyses by Te Morenga et al pulled and analyzed information from 68 studies to find what effect, if any, sugar had on body weight. The review concluded that increasing or decreasing the consumption of sugar was associated with corresponding changes in adults’ body weight due to the alteration of energy balance. No effect was seen on the body weight of children, but the researchers noted this was difficult to assess since children did not stick to the study as well as adults.
This study underscores the importance of total diet and balancing calorie intake and output. “People looking for simple, easy and effective ways to reduce calories and lose weight can try replacing sugar with a low-calorie sweetener,” according to Theresa Hedrick, a dietitian with the Calorie Control Council.
Do 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.
