logo

Did a recent review of studies find that diet soda does not help long-term weight loss?

By Tom Kertscher
YES

The World Health Organization on April 12, 2022 published a review of 283 studies on non-sugar sweeteners used in products such as diet soda.

Based on the review, the organization in May 2023 issued guidelines recommending against using sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and stevia to control body weight.

WHO said the review indicated that using the sweeteners “does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”

Healthline reported in April that scientists say diet soda may increase appetite by stimulating hunger hormones, but that more research is needed to determine the effects of diet soda on weight loss.

Dr. Kristin Lyerly alluded to the review’s findings in an interview. Lyerly, an OB-GYN in De Pere, is a Democrat who is considering a run in 2024 against U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Green Bay.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
FACT BRIEF BY
facebook
twitter
email
email