A two-week study involving non-consumers of artificial sweeteners found consuming them did not alter their blood glucose response. However, the researchers acknowledged the study's inability to blind participants may have influenced their results.
A recent study on artificial sweeteners involved 120 participants who underwent a detailed food analysis. The study examined the effects of artificial sweeteners on the body, but was limited by the inability to blind participants who had never consumed them before.
The primary outcome measure for sugar-free drinks is blood glucose, which may not be an accurate measure if participants had a preconceived notion that artificial sweeteners were bad for them, potentially affecting their response after ingesting artificial sweeteners. Participants self-administered oral glucose tolerance tests, which could also affect the accuracy of the study.
This podcast episode explores the recent study on the effects of artificial sweeteners on gut microbiome and discusses the complexities of short-term and long-term health outcomes.
Research suggests that obese individuals who lose a significant amount of weight early are more likely to keep it off. The approach of straight caloric restriction and increasing activity is preferred by many overweight individuals who want to see quick results, but whether or not it is safe requires investigation.