The Claim
Long-term intake of aspartame and saccharin is associated with a 57–78% higher risk of developing obesity over a 17.5-year period, independent of baseline BMI, diet quality, and energy intake.
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.
People who consume aspartame and saccharin over many years have a 57–78% higher rate of developing obesity compared to those who do not, even when accounting for their starting weight, diet quality, and calorie intake.
See the scientific wording
Long-term intake of aspartame and saccharin is associated with a 57–78% higher risk of developing obesity over 17.5 years, independent of baseline BMI, diet quality, and energy intake, suggesting these sweeteners may contribute to long-term weight gain.
When aspartame is broken down in the gut, it reduces the activity of an enzyme that normally neutralizes bacterial toxins. This allows toxins to leak into the bloodstream, triggering chronic low-grade inflammation that causes fat cells to grow larger and multiply, leading to increased fat storage in the abdomen and around muscles.
What the research says
1 studyPeople who drank diet sodas or used artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin over many years were more likely to gain weight and become obese, even if they ate the same amount and ate healthy foods as others.
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.