A report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal seems to be trying to make the case, as interpreted by many media sources, that artificial sweeteners do not appear to help people lose weight, suggesting instead it may cause them to gain weight. The reporting says observational studies that looked at consumption over time suggested that people who regularly consumed them by drinking one or more artificially sweetened beverages a day had a higher risk for health issues like weight gain, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
HANG ON
But a major caveat to the idea that the diet drinks are directly to blame is contained well down in most stories. For example: “It’s not yet clear whether artificial sweeteners actually cause harm, however. Observational studies that link the sweeteners to health problems do not prove the sweeteners themselves are responsible. Other factors may muddle the link; people who consume more artificial sweeteners may eat more processed food (or just eat more) which is linked to a higher risk for obesity or heart-related problems” Maybe not the finest moment for research or journalism.
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