In the November/December 2009 ACE FitnessMatters magazine, Douglas Fox sites a recent study that supports the concern that artificial sweeteners may not actually help with weight loss. In fact, it might actually make things worse. It seems that your brain can distinguish between a sweet tasting beverage and one that also has calories. The difference can have an effect on how the body works. “Research has shown that drinking an artificially sweetened beverage can whet the appetite and stimulate people to eat more in a subsequent meal-an effect not seen when people drink a sugared beverage or a glass of water before eating. It suggests that artificial sweeteners may turn on brain areas that create appetite, but not provide satiation.” He also mentions how this effect may be different in those who drink artificially sweetened beverage often vs occasionally. The research isn’t clear. It seems to me that it might be wise to limit your consumption of both real and artificial sweeteners and try to stick with natural beverages like 100% juice (in limited quantities), milk (for those it works for) and of course, water.
Douglas Fox, ACE FitnessMatters, November/December 2008 p4-5
