Sucrose results in more weight gain than artificial sweetners in overweight individuals

Considering the rising rates of overweight and obesity worldwide, it is important to establish whether the use of artificial sweeteners can aid in weight control. Publishing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Raben et al. supplemented a group of overweight men and women with either sucrose or artificial sweetener, mostly in the form of sweetened beverages. They found that individuals who consumed sucrose increased their energy intake, body weight, fat mass, and blood pressure. Individuals in the artificial sweetener group, however, experienced small but significant decreases in all of these areas.

The 41 participants in the 10-week study (35 women and 6 men) were all at least 10% overweight according to weight-for-height tables and averaged 35 years old. They were divided into a sucrose group (21 subjects) who received supplemental drinks and foods sweetened with sugar, and a sweetener group (20) who received similar drinks and foods containing artificial sweeteners. Most of the supplements were in the form of beverages such as soft drinks and flavored fruit juices. The energy content of the sucrose supplements was 3 times higher than that of the sweetener supplements, and represented approximately 23% of the expected daily energy intake for an average person.

Subjects in the sucrose group decreased their energy intake from their regular foods. However, during 10 weeks they gained an average of 1.3 kg of fat mass and 0.3 kg of fat-free mass, and their blood pressure rose significantly. On the other hand, those in the artificial sweetener group decreased the consumption of sucrose and carbohydrate from their regular foods, lost an average of 1 kg (0.3 kg of that as fat mass), and had a small but significant decrease in blood pressure.

The authors point out that the most likely reason for the difference between the two groups was large amount of sucrose-sweetened beverages consumed. Energy from fluids is less satiating than that consumed from solid foods, giving rise to overconsumption. Furthermore, overweight subjects are less sensitive to dietary manipulations and cannot adjust their energy intake to match their energy needs as effectively as lean subjects. The authors suggest that overweight individuals should consume beverages containing artificial sweeteners to prevent weight gain.

Raben, Anne et al. Sucrose compared with artificial sweeteners: different effects on ad libitum food intake and body weight after 10 wk of supplementation in overweight subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:721-9.

This media release is provided by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition to provide current information on nutrition-related research. This information should not be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult your doctor. To see the complete text of this article, please go to:
http://www.faseb.org/ajcn/October2002/12734.Raben.pdf

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