Cited by 115Biochemical Analysis and Sensing TechniquesDiet, Metabolism, and DiseaseRegulation of Appetite and Obesity

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Effects of nonnutritive sweeteners on body weight and BMI in diverse clinical contexts: systematic review and meta-analysis

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Laviada‐Molina, Hugo, Molina‐Segui, Fernanda, Pérez‐Gaxiola, Giordano, Cuello‐García, Carlos, Arjona‐Villicaña, Ruy, Espinosa‐Marrón, Alan, Martinez‐Portilla, Raigam Jafet·2020·Obesity Reviews

DOI 10.1111/obr.13020

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Abstract

There is an ongoing debate about the possible influences of nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) on body weight. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with NNS to assess their impact on body weight. We systematically searched for RCTs at least 4 weeks in duration, evaluating the effect of NNS on body weight, both in subjects with healthy weight and in subjects with overweight/obesity at any age, and compared the effects of NNS vs caloric and noncaloric comparators. The primary outcome was the difference in body weight between NNS and comparators. Twenty studies were eligible (n = 2914). Participants consuming NNS showed significant weight/BMI differences favouring NNS compared with nonusers. Grouping by nature of comparator revealed that NNS vs placebo/no intervention and NNS vs water produced no effect. When comparing NNS vs sucrose, significant weight/BMI differences appeared favouring NNS. Consumption of NNS led to significantly negative weight/BMI differences in unrestricted energy diets, but not in weight-reduction diets. Participants with overweight/obesity and adults showed significant favourable weight/BMI differences with NNS. Data suggest that replacing sugar with NNS leads to weight reduction, particularly in participants with overweight/obesity under an unrestricted diet, information that could be utilized for evidence-based public policy decisions.

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Authors: Laviada‐Molina, H., Molina‐Segui, F., Pérez‐Gaxiola, G., Cuello‐García, C., Arjona‐Villicaña, R., Espinosa‐Marrón, A., & Martinez‐Portilla, R. J.
Affiliations: Universidad Marista de Mérida (MX)
Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Health Sciences School Universidad Marista de Merida Mérida Mexico
Pediatric Hospital of Sinaloa (MX)
McMaster University (CA)
Endocrinology Service Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Peninsula de Yucatan Merida Mexico
Nuffield Department of Primary Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter University of Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine Oxford UK
ORCID: Laviada‐Molina, Hugo
Molina‐Segui, Fernanda
Pérez‐Gaxiola, Giordano
Cuello‐García, Carlos
Arjona‐Villicaña, Ruy
Espinosa‐Marrón, Alan
Martinez‐Portilla, Raigam Jafet
Venue: Obesity Reviews
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2020-03-25
Volume: 21
Issue: 7
Pages: e13020-e13020
ISSN: 1467-7881 (ISSN-L)
1467-789X
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13020
OpenAlex: W3014022032
Cited by: 115
References: 44
Citations by year: 2026: 12 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 7
FWCI: 1.69
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations: Obesity Reviews (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diet, Metabolism, and Disease
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
Keywords: artificial sweeteners, body weight, body mass index, obesity, overweight, sucrose replacement, weight loss diet, sugar consumption
MeSH terms: Body Weight, Diet, Humans, Obesity, Body Mass Index, Non-Nutritive Sweeteners

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Effects of nonnutritive sweeteners on body weight and BMI in diverse clinical contexts: systematic review and meta-analysis

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