Eating less and exercising more is the real weight loss sweet spot

That’s left a sour taste: The World Health Organisation (WHO) reckons that artificial sweeteners, used to replace sugar in a vast range of products, do not help to lose weight. They can even have serious adverse effects on health.

A systematic review of available evidence “suggests that use of NSS (nonsugar sweeteners) does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children”, WHO said.

ALSO READ: WHO warns against using artificial sweeteners

That’s a bit of bad news for those who may have been hoping the fake sugar was one way to calm a raging sweet tooth. And, of course, the companies who make billions from producing and selling them…

Sugar – and processed foods in general – was long ago identified as being one of the major culprits in the global obesity pandemic.

The government here has acted on that information, imposing more taxes on sugar as a way of reducing consumption.

ALSO READ: People allegedly abusing diabetes drugs to lose weight

The problem is that nonsugar sweeteners have been used in many food products and that, perhaps lulled into thinking they’re “diet friendly”, people have been eating more than they should.

The WHO warning may help people to realise they cannot outsource their weight control programme to miracle substances. Eating less and exercising more is the real weight loss sweet spot.

ALSO READ: Londie London shares her weight loss secret