Aspartame use does not lead to calorie increase
(click arrow button to play)
Scientific Studies Show Aspartame
is Beneficial in Weight Control
Studies have shown that foods and beverages sweetened with aspartame
can be an effective "tool" as part of a weight management
program. Aspartame, however, is not a drug and does not stimulate
weight loss. It does help make possible good tasting low-calorie foods and beverages for those who wish to control or decrease their
caloric intake. Below are several studies indicating that aspartame
is beneficial in weight control.
Clinical Evidence: Body Weight
In addition to extensive research supporting the fact that low-calorie
sweetener use does not lead to increased calorie intake, further
research documents that consumption of low-calorie sweeteners can
be useful in weight-loss efforts.
Kanders et al. (1988, 1996) evaluated the effect of aspartame on
control of body weight in obese subjects.
Fifty-nine obese men and
women were recruited to participate in a pilot study with a 12-week
multidisciplinary diet program. Recruits were randomly assigned
to consume a balanced deficit diet (1000 ± 200 kcal/day)
with or without aspartame.
Although not statistically significant,
women in the aspartame group (N=24) lost 3.7 pounds more than women
in the no-aspartame group (N=21). Men showed the opposite trend,
with those in the no-aspartame group (N=7) losing about 4 pounds
more than those in the aspartame group (N=4).
Forty-six of these subjects (11 males and 35 females) participated
in a one-year follow-up study. Increased levels of physical activity,
increased consumption of aspartame, and decreased desire for sweets
were associated with maintenance of weight loss at the one-year
follow-up. Aspartame intake at the end of follow-up was associated
with better weight maintenance in male subjects.
Although the small
sample size prevents definitive conclusions, aspartame consumption
did not cause weight gain and may be beneficial in promoting weight
loss and maintenance when used as part of a multidisciplinary weight
control program.
