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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.
More Scientific Studies
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