Don’t use sugar substitutes to lose weight, WHO says

At a time when a growing number of fake sugars are being added to foods and beverages, the World Health Organization released new recommendations advising against using non-sugar sweeteners to control weight, citing potential health risks.

The recommendation is based on a systematic review of the scientific literature, the agency said in a news release Monday. Besides not helping with the long-term reduction of body fat, non-sugar sweeteners may — with long-term use — increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and early death, according to the agency.