Dear Dr. Mirkin,

Are artificial sweeteners a good alternative for weight loss?

They may not be. At the Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society on June 11, 2009, researchers from the National Institute of Aging reported that those who use artificial sweeteners are twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

They are also more likely to be obese and take in more calories, carbohydrates and fats; have higher fasting blood sugar and fasting insulin levels; and have more insulin resistance. This is supported by two other studies (Circulation, January 2008; and Obesity, June 2008). Artificial sweeteners affect sweet taste receptors in the brain and intestines in the same way that sugar does, causing release of incretin, which increases sugar absorption from the intestines.