The effect of sucrose-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages on appetite and weight

Abstract

Overview: The increased prevalence of excessive weight has become a worldwide problem. Artificial sweeteners compared to sugar sweetened beverages provide lower calories. However, divergences in opinions exist about the difference in the effect of sugar and artificial sweeteners on appetite and over the suggestion that artificial sweeteners could still lead to increased body weight. There is a global increase in the demand of artificial sweeteners but the problem of excessive weight continued to escalate. This study aims to shed some light on existing controversies through the investigation comparison and appraisal of published literature. Research Question: In overweight and average weight adults (P), how does the consumption of artificially-sweetened (I) compared to sucrose-sweetened beverages (C) affect appetite and weight (O)? Method: A computerised literature search was conducted using different search engines and databases. The reference lists of the retrieved literature were hand searched. The inclusion criteria were papers that investigated the correct population, specified the sweetening agents used to sweeten food and beverages administered by the participants and investigated the outcomes of appetite and weight. The exclusion criteria were studies that investigated the wrong population, restricted to a single gender, included participants who suffered from eating disorders or medical conditions, investigated other sugar substitutes, used a different comparator and investigated a different outcome. One systematic review and four RCTs were retrieved. The retrieved papers were appraised using CASP tools. Results: The findings in terms of the two outcomes were inconsistent. Studies that supplemented their participants with food and beverages found a positive correlation between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and weight loss. The studies that supplemented beverages only failed to show a positive correlation. Conclusion and recommendations: A definite answer to the research question could not be provided. Further research needs to be carried out. Enhancing awareness through education campaigns, behaviour change, tax levies and regularisation of advertising and labelling are recommended. Their implementation will lead towards enhanced dietary choices and a curb in the rise of excessive weight.