Państwo i Społeczeństwo / State and Society

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Journal: Państwo i Społeczeństwo / State and Society

Non-Nutritive Sweeteners and Weight Regulation in Healthy Adults: Current Evidence and Public Health Implications

Weronika Hariasz , Anna Zalewska , Marta Drobik , Katarzyna Gądek , Marek Borowiec , Karina Reczek , Agnieszka Gontkowska , Adam Lichodij

Language: EN | Published: 05-08-2026 | Abstract | 103

The use of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) as sugar replacements has become widespread as a strategy to
reduce caloric intake, thereby supporting weight management, and reduce sugar consumption in modern diets. However, their effectiveness in preventing weight gain in healthy adults remains controversial.

This review aims to evaluate the current evidence regarding the impact of NNS consumption on body weight regulation and metabolic health in healthy adults.

This narrative review synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies and mechanistic studies identified through a structured search of electronic databases. Emphasis was placed on studies assessing body weight, energy intake, metabolic responses, appetite regulation and gut microbiota.

Evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that replacing sugars with NNS may reduce energy intake, body weight and body mass index in the short term. In contrast, long-term observational studies report associations between habitual NNS consumption and higher body weight, waist circumference and risk of cardiometabolic disorders, although causality remains uncertain. Mechanistic studies suggest that these effects may be mediated by context-dependent physiological responses, including variable incretin secretion, changes in reward-related responses and potential changes in gut microbiota composition.

NNS may be effective as a short-term strategy for reducing caloric intake; however, their long-term role in preventing weight gain in healthy individuals remains unclear. Further well-designed long-term studies are needed to clarify these relationships.

2026-08-05