A new study indicates that consumption of sugar-free beverages sweetened with low-calorie sweeteners increases dietary restraint, a key factor in successful weight loss maintenance.
Researchers for the study, which was published in the International Journal of Obesity, analyzed calorie, protein, carbohydrate, fat and beverage intake, as well as the dietary restraint of over 300 individuals. The researchers concluded, "Our findings…suggest that the use of artificially sweetened beverages may be an important weight control strategy."
The researchers also stated, "The current study suggests that weight-loss maintainers use...increased consumption of artificially sweetened beverages."
This study builds upon the findings from a previous study that found that consumers of sugar substitutes had significantly greater weight loss compared with participants who did not consume sugar substitutes.
According to Dr. Adam Drewnowski, director, Center for Public Health Nutrition at the University of Washington, "Low-calorie sweeteners and reduced-calorie products are not magic bullets... people looking to lose or maintain weight, can use low-calorie sweeteners in addition to other tools (such as portion control, exercise, etc.) to help manage their calories."
More than 194 million Americans are consuming low and reduced calorie foods and beverages, according to the Calorie Control Council's most recent national consumer survey. The Council is a non-profit trade association.
For more info: See the International Journal of Obesity.
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