It is a known fact that sugar, refined sugar or white sugar, in particular, is among the most harmful substances for the body. It is associated with various lifestyle diseases including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

When it comes to losing weight, the first change a person does is try to eliminate sugar and soon, reach for non-sugar sweeteners or sugar substitutes like stevia to control their body weight.

However, in its latest health guideline, the World Health Organisation suggested that these sugar substitutes do not help in weight loss.

WHO, in fact, recommended against the use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests the use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults and children.

Common NSS includes acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia and stevia derivatives.

Besides, the review also suggested that there could be potential undesirable long-term effects from the use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults.

Source: India Today