The Claim
Higher urinary concentrations of saccharin and sucralose are associated with increased BMI and waist-to-height ratio z-scores in children and adolescents aged 8–17 years.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Children and adolescents aged 8–17 with higher levels of saccharin and sucralose in their urine have higher body mass index and waist-to-height ratio measurements.
See the scientific wording
Higher urinary concentrations of saccharin and sucralose are associated with increased BMI and waist-to-height ratio z-scores in children and adolescents aged 8–17 years, suggesting these sweeteners may serve as biomarkers of dietary patterns linked to higher adiposity, though causation cannot be inferred from cross-sectional data.
Children who eat more foods with artificial sweeteners consume more total calories because these sweeteners do not satisfy hunger, leading to overeating and increased fat storage in the body.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Urinary Sweeteners and Sugars in Relation to Childhood Obesity: The SWEET Project
Kids and teens with more saccharin and sucralose in their pee tend to have higher body weight and more belly fat, but this doesn’t mean the sweeteners made them gain weight — it probably means kids who are already heavier are more likely to eat foods with these sweeteners.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.