Sugar-free, but what's the catch? (2024)

Sugar-free, but what's the catch?

Offering the taste of sweetness without adding calories sounds like a sweet deal. But sugar substitutes are not the silver bullet for weight loss.

The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association have given a tentative nod to using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar to combat obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. But some research links the use of artificial sweeteners to increased weight.

All artificial sweeteners are not created equal

Some artificial sweeteners are derived from natural substances, such as herbs and sugar, but can also be made synthetically. The FDA has approved five low-calorie artificial sweeteners: saccharin, acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, stevia and sucralose.

An average 12-ounce can of soda contains about 150 calories, almost all of them from sugar. The same exact amount of diet soda contains zero calories. The choice seems like a no-brainer, but there are some concerns about sugar substitutes and how they affect your weight.

One concern is that people who use artificial sweeteners may replace the calories lost through other food sources. For example, you might think, "I'll drink diet soda so I can eat another slice of pizza." This just outweighs the weight loss and health benefits.

Another possibility is that these products could change the way we taste food. Artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than real sugar. As a result, we crave more sweets, tend to prefer sweet foods over nutritious foods, and gain weight.

Security

Studies on sugar substitutes have concluded that they pose no cancer risk, leading to their approval by the FDA. However, because only small amounts have been tested over a short period of time, more studies are needed to better understand the long-term effects and to see if larger amounts make a difference.

Is one better than the other?

Foods that naturally contain sugar, such as whole fruit, are generally very nutritious. Although sugar-free foods may not contain calories from the sweetener, this does not necessarily mean they are calorie-free. If you only look at the sugar content, you can be misled into thinking that foods are healthier options than they really are.

So whether you reach for an artificial sweetener next time or the packet of pure sugar, one isn't necessarily better than the other. Be aware of what you eat and as with all things, moderation is key.

Join us on November 5, 2016 as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UCF College of Medicine with a unique culinary experience. This historic event will feature stations featuring world-class cuisine from Orlando's top chefs and restaurants, as well as live entertainment from UCF's talented students. Guests will reminisce about the College's past, celebrate its present and glimpse its future. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://med.ucf.edu/10th-anniversary/

Weekly health tips fromUCF Health, ThatCollege of Medicinemedical practice. UCF Health offers primary and specialty care under one roof and treats patients ages 16 and older in primary care and 18 years and older in specialty care. Most major insurance plans are accepted. Two locations are now open: the original in East Orlando at Quadrangle and University Boulevards, just a few blocks from the UCF main campus, and the newest in Medical City at Narcoossee Road and Tavistock Lakes Boulevard. Information about both facilities can be found atUCFHealth.com, or call (407) 266-DOCS to schedule an appointment.

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• costs healthy diet