Benefits Study
Scientific Studies Show Aspartame is Beneficial in Weight Control
Studies have shown that foods and beverages sweetened with aspartame can be an effective "tool" as part of a weight management program. Aspartame, however, is not a drug and does not stimulate weight loss. It does help make possible good tasting low-calorie foods and beverages for those who wish to control or decrease their caloric intake. Below are several studies indicating that aspartame is beneficial in weight control.
Clinical Evidence: Body Weight
In addition to extensive research supporting the fact that low-calorie sweetener use does not lead to increased calorie intake, further research documents that consumption of low-calorie sweeteners can be useful in weight-loss efforts.
Kanders et al. (1988, 1996) evaluated the effect of aspartame on control of body weight in obese subjects.
- Fifty-nine obese men and women were recruited to participate in a pilot study with a 12-week multidisciplinary diet program. Recruits were randomly assigned to consume a balanced deficit diet (1000 ± 200 kcal/day) with or without aspartame.
- Although not statistically significant, women in the aspartame group (N=24) lost 3.7 pounds more than women in the no-aspartame group (N=21). Men showed the opposite trend, with those in the no-aspartame group (N=7) losing about 4 pounds more than those in the aspartame group (N=4).
- Forty-six of these subjects (11 males and 35 females) participated in a one-year follow-up study. Increased levels of physical activity, increased consumption of aspartame, and decreased desire for sweets were associated with maintenance of weight loss at the one-year follow-up. Aspartame intake at the end of follow-up was associated with better weight maintenance in male subjects.
- Although the small sample size prevents definitive conclusions, aspartame consumption did not cause weight gain and may be beneficial in promoting weight loss and maintenance when used as part of a multidisciplinary weight control program.
Aspartame use does not lead to calorie increase
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The lowdown on the breakdown
Low-calorie sweeteners provide consumers with many benefits, both psychological and physiological. Health professionals and consumers believe low-calorie sweeteners are effective for the following purposes: weight maintenance, weight reduction, management of diabetes, reduction of dental caries, and reduction in the risks associated with obesity. Get the facts about Aspartame, it's uses, and benefits.