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Aspartame & Weight Loss

Dieters often find they're fighting a losing battle against their sweet tooth. If you are tempted to eat products containing aspartame instead of sugar---to cut calories while still having desserts and other sweet foods---you may be surprised to find out that aspartame can actually make you eat more calories than before.

  1. What Is It?

    • Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in many foods and beverages, such as diet sodas, chewing gum and baked goods. It is also marketed under the brand names Equal and NutraSweet.

    Function

    • Many people consume products containing aspartame, or use it while cooking, as it does not contain the calories that real sugar does, but still allows for a sweet taste. Many "light" products contain aspartame or other artificial sweeteners, and some of the common weight loss products, such as diet shakes, contain it as well.

    Research

    • A 2004 study by the International Journal of Obesity found that artificial sweeteners can fool your body, making you believe sweet foods contain fewer calories than they actually do. According to WeightLossEssentials.com, the chemicals in aspartame also trigger the release of insulin. Ingesting this artificial sweetener can boost sugar cravings---and your appetite, too.

    Side Effects

    • In addition to complicating your weight loss efforts, there are other potential side effects to ingesting aspartame. According to The Healthier Life website, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a list of possible side effects from aspartame in 1994, including migraines, seizures, asthma, arthritis and weight gain. Aspartame appears to lead to enough symptoms that it could be considered a disease in itself, the website contends.

    Considerations

    • If you have a sugar craving, it may be best to have a little bit of something sweet that does not contain an artificial sweetener, to feel more satisfied and not risk any nasty side effects. Consult your doctor to find a diet plan that works for you, and discuss the possible dangers of any artificial sweeteners you are interested in using.

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