WHO advises against non-sugar sweeteners like stevia for weight control

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), such as stevia, for weight control or reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes. NSS are low- or no-calorie alternatives to sugars and are often marketed for weight loss and blood glucose control in individuals with diabetes. The recommendation applies to everyone except those with pre-existing diabetes. The WHO emphasizes that replacing free sugars with NSS does not help with long-term weight control, and people should focus on reducing overall sugar intake by consuming foods with naturally occurring sugars or unsweetened options. The WHO director for Nutrition and Food Safety states that NSS have no nutritional value and that people should reduce overall sweetness in their diet early for better health. High intake of free sugars has been linked to overweight, obesity, and diet-related NCDs. The guideline is based on a systematic review that found no long-term benefits of NSS in reducing body fat and identified potential risks, including increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults. However, the recommendation does not apply to personal care products, such as toothpaste and skin cream, or low-calorie sugars and sugar alcohols that contain calories and are not considered NSS.